Larry Basky

Basky is recognized nationally as one of the foremost printmakers of

our time. Stephen Quiller, celebrated internationally known painter

and printmaker had this to say about Larry, “Larry’s work has evolved

to his mature signature style that is bold, powerful and direct,

masculine and expressionistic and without the fear of taking risks. I

feel that great art helps the viewer to see the world more deeply; to

pause and think from a different vantage point or to think about

something that we would normally just pass by; to imagine with a fresh

vision. Larry Basky’s art takes you there.”

 

Larry is a native Midwesterner having begun his career teaching art while simultaneously coaching football first in Kansas and then Colorado. After early retirement from education, he started a gallery in Creede, Colorado. Years later, Larry and his family returned to the Midwest and settled in Plymouth, Wisconsin where he opened Basky Gallery and Studio. Basky later closed his commercial gallery and continues to work from his home studio in Plymouth, applying new techniques and creating inspired works of art. Printmaking remains his main focus, though he explores landscapes through painting as well. 

 

 

Artist's Statement

I have been printing and painting for over fifty years and am still fascinated with the processes and the products. My subject matter varies with the message or personal feelings I am trying to communicate. I usually work in series, through subject matter or technique. I love the landscape and try to incorporate it into most of my works. Entire compositions may be surreal at times, but I feel everyone can communicate with certain aspects of my works. Color is also very important to me, and most of my works are vibrant. Pieces that are monochromatic generally have enough contrast and value change to make the work seem colorful.

 

At one time in my life, I thought that one of the most important aspects of art was the geographic location where one lived. This, I am sure, was because I do landscapes. After traveling the country for a number of years, I find that it is more what is inside a person rather than what is visually outside. A beautiful composition can be a square foot and could represent subject matter from California to Maine; it's all in the eyes of its creator.