LARRY BENTLEY
Meet Larry
New York, New York
Larry Bentley is a self-taught artist whose work is mainly focused on Hard Edge Painting, Color Field, Minimal and Geometric Abstraction Art, with an emphasis on clean lines, varying shapes and color combinations. His inspirations derive from his past profession in the fashion and modeling industry, as well as being surrounded by an abundance of art while working at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Sotheby's Auction House in New York City. He is greatly influenced by the many culture and places traveled to, architecture, interior design and the Mid-Century Modern era, especially by the prominent artists of that period and of the simplistic ethos and aesthetics exhibited during that time.
Q+A
Grand Image: How did you get your start in art?
LB: I started painting for the first time in March 2020 during the global pandemic. I had always wanted to try my hand at painting and whilst being at home “sheltering in place,” I began studying and experimenting with painting.
Grand Image: How did you develop your style?
LB: My style of painting is very indicative of who I am as a person… someone who likes things “perfectly neat and in it's place” and “simplistic and minimal.” Most of my favorite artists are Minimalist and I very much wanted to emulate their style.
Grand Image: Where are you from and how is that reflected in your work?
LB: I’m from Northeast Florida but have lived in New York City for most of my life now. I wouldn’t say “where I’m from” has influenced me in any way but I can say, without a doubt, that living in NYC has influence me tremendously with having access to so much art, architecture, fashion and culture.
Grand Image: You have a dynamic creative career and background in fashion and modeling. Could you speak a little bit about your experience in that industry?
LB: I’ve worked at high fashion boutiques and in NYC selling major designer clothing. I’ve also been a model agent at two of the biggest, well known modeling agencies; Ford and IMG where I helped develop the careers of some of the world’s most famous models. I’ve always worked and been surrounded by other creatives which I believe helps shape and guide me.
Grand Image: Your work is filled with vibrant colorways—where do you find inspiration for your color palettes?
LB: I find my color inspirations from everyday life. Since becoming an artist, I’m more in tuned with colors and patterns that I see on a daily basis and I take note by constantly taking photos to remind me.
Grand Image: What do you do when you have a creative block?
LB: When I have a creative block I look for inspirations by going through my saved photos of pictures I’ve taken of color combinations I’ve liked or interesting shapes I’ve come across. I also peruse old design magazines, auction catalogs and art books for inspirations and sometimes I visit galleries and museums for inspiration.
Grand Image: How has your relationship with art changed the way you view the world?
LB: Although I really do love abstract expressionism. Due to the state of the world today which is undoubtedly quite messy and chaotic, I think I’m retreating more and more into color field and minimalist art because of its simplicity and quiet nature.
