Larry Chandler

 "As a portrait painter, I learned the anatomy of human eyes and how to capture the mood and expression in them. Now, I can translate that knowledge to animals, both domestic and wild, to give them more life-like qualities." - Larry Chandler

129 Chocolate Lab and Pup

Artist Larry Chandler was born in Alabama on June 25, 1951. He became interested in art at a very early age. His dad was a talented artist and helped inspire Larry to draw well before he started grade school. Frequent hunting trips with his dad and brother growing up exposed Larry to nature and all its wonders. While out in the field, Larry learned to pay close attention to his wildlife subjects - their detail, habits and surroundings. Most of Larry's early paintings were watercolors and pastels. Later, he was introduced to oils by a neighbor who also painted. This proved to be the medium he chose for his future artwork.

Larry has been National Artist of the Year for Ducks Unlimited (twice), Quail Unlimited, Waterfowl USA and his art hangs in the Smithsonian Institution. Larry still paints a variety of subject matter, but his popular sporting dog portraits have brought him the acclaim that has earned him commissions in several fields of art.

056 When Rascals Become Legends

"I titled this piece 'When Rascals Become Legends'. It seemed so appropriate. What other name could you hang on Lab puppies but Rascals? But you never know which one will grow to be your best hunting dog, fishing buddy, or just plain best friend. I enjoy coming up with the title sometimes more than doing the paintings! This piece depicts all three of the colors of the breed. The black monster in the middle was mine; he was a beautiful and enormous Lab I owned named 'Gismo'. The chocolate belonged to a neighbor, and the yellow was a handsome Lab I photographed to paint at a field trial in North Carolina." - L Chandler on cover art for Retriever Journal