Artist Larry Aarons has been gaining prestige and making a name for himself in the art world during the past four years—while also helping others. The former Great Neck resident had his first solo show at the Gold Coast Public Library in 2013 and has since participated in a number of art shows at Long Island and New York City galleries, winning medals and catching the eye of celebrities in the process. Some
of his portraits are even in the private collections of A-list movie stars like Chris Rock and Robert DeNiro.
“DeNiro’s personality is exactly as his portrait portrays,” said Aarons, whose children attended E.M. Baker and North Middle and High Schools. “When he saw it, he said, ‘it feels like me,’ which was a wonderful compliment.”
Aarons explained that is exactly what he attempts to do in his portraits: to capture the essence of the subject, whether the drawing is of a Hollywood actor, a Greek god or a customer’s relative. His work also extends to oil paintings of iconic European structures and photography.
He will have seven pieces on view from Sept. 12 to 30 at Manhattan Art and Antique Center (MAAC) Galleries, 1050 Second Ave., between 55th and 56th Streets, in New York City. The opening will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Gallery hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
His work, including the charcoal portrait of DeNiro, is also currently on display at the Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills through Sept. 10.
Aarons is the recipient of the President’s Award Salmagundi Gallery/AAPL and is the Gold Medal of Honor winner from the American Artist Professional League. He teaches at the Artist’s Studio, as well as privately, and takes classes to further enhance his own skills. Later this month, he will be setting sail for Europe as the artist on board the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise for 16 days, traveling from Budapest to Amsterdam. Learn more about the artist at www.larryaaronsart.com.
As happy as Aarons is with the recognition his work has received, he gets more satisfaction out of knowing his work impacts others in a very beneficial way. A portion of the proceeds from his artwork sales go toward the U.S. Navy SEAL Foundation, supporting those in harm’s way, and he partnered with the United War Veterans Council to design posters that are used to raise money for veterans.
“I felt the need to participate in something bigger than myself,” he said. “I’m very proud of the effort.”
