The Southern Seaports Collection by Larry Casso
FRENCH MARKET by Larry Casso ((Private Collection)
Watercolor on paper; 18 x 26
New Orleans; The most lasting memories I have had in my life started during early childhood walking to market with my Me'Mere, buying fresh meat and produce every day off the street, no air conditioning or refrigeration, even washing clothes on a wash board. This painting brings alive precious things that are gone forever.
ROYAL STREET SHOP by Larry Casso ($6,700.00 framed)
Acrylic on Strathmore 500 Illustration board; 24 x 32
I have to go back to the French Quarter every now and then to visit one of my favorite sketching areas. The typical simplicity of this building stands out immediately. What I look for when observing possible scenery is shadows. You cannot copy the ambience of the area without them.
PIRATE'S ALLEY by Larry Casso (Private Collection)
Watercolor on paper; 13 x 19
I loved painting Pirate's Alley and have painted several different compositions while working in the Quarter and on Jackson Square. Pirates Alley was officially called Orleans Alley until as late as the 1960s, then the city changed the name because tourists kept getting lost.
ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL by Larry Casso (Private Collection)
Watercolor on paper; 14 x 29
Many fond memories of this stately old church. My artist friend George Bohland did portraits on that corner for years. The street ran through the pavilion and you could park your car in front of the square. Many artists got their start there. I spent my last year of art school doing portraits on the opposite corner.
VIEUX CARRE PATIO by Larry Casso (Private Collection)
Watercolor on paper; 17 x 24
This painting has always been a favorite because it typifies the era that I grew up in. The patio next to it is almost an exact replica and is significant to me because two artist friends lived there who individually had a great influence on my art career.
EVENING SHADOWS by Larry Casso ($6,700.00 framed)
Watercolor on paper; 18 x 26
Deep and interesting graphic shadows tell more about the French Quarter than anything else. Their meaning must be understood to paint this icon of architecture. From early childhood one word describes my impressions...mystery.