Bryan Larsen
An Interview with Bryan Larsen
by Becky Pallack
Pallack: What does "Romantic Realism" really mean?
Larsen: The portrayal of romantic themes (the heroic in man, that which is possible to man at his best, the ideal) in a realistic style (an accurate and believable simulation of reality. In the case of visual art, the image should look real.)
P: Who are the artists whom you admire?
L: I admire different things about different artists. I admire John Everett Millais for his painting technique and his compositional skill. I admire William Holman Hunt for his work ethic and the high standards (with respect to technique) to which he held himself. I admire Michaelangelo for the heroic way he portrayed man in the David, and for his flawless skill as a sculptor. I admire Bouguereau for his ability to paint human flesh better than anyone else I know of, Alma Tadema for the way he paints architecture, especially marble, and Lord Leighton for knowing the structure of the human form well enough not to need a model, and for his amazing ability to draw. There are of course other artists who have done admirable things, but unfortunately I don't know of any artist who I admire specifically for his choice of theme or subject matter.
P: How would you describe your own style of art?
L: I try to choose themes that relate to the best qualities of man, the heroic and the beautiful, and to portray those themes effectively through good composition, selective attention to detail, and good technique.
P: Would you like to see Romanticism make a come back as an intellectual Movement? With art, literature, theater, etc? How could that be possible?
L: Absolutely yes. The philosophy of the artists and the consumers will have to change first. When people freely admire the heroic, look to the future with excitement, and discover that the world is full of opportunity, these fundamentals will be reflected in all media of popular art. Until then, those who do will create, admire, and buy Romantic Realistic art.
P: Do you think the Romantic Realism movement has a lot to do with escaping "classical correctness" or social conventions? (quote from a definition found on an art history Web site)
L: No, I don't think it has anything to do with escaping anything.
P: How does your art reflect your philosophy?
L: A person's philosophy determines what they consider to be of value. Therefore it determines what they will choose to hold as an ideal, and what they will choose as a worthy theme for a work of art. (It also determines what a person will identify with and what they will like or dislike about the art of others.) I consider the power of man's mind to reason, to understand the universe, and to learn to control the universe for the purpose of the furtherance of his own life to be a supreme value. I also consider the products of man's mind, and the quality of life they make possible to be of value. These are the themes I choose for my art.
P: What are your aesthetic ideals?
L: In works of art and in the world I find forms which follow their purposeful functions to be beautiful, forms which are the end sum result of a million purposeful decisions by a competent mind: Well designed buildings, bridges, city lights at night. But also the human form at its peak: athletic, capable bodies, bright, intelligent eyes, etc. In art, consistency of design based on a central theme, with no unnecessary or accidental components, is an essential aesthetic component.
P: Who did you study art with (or what school)? Are there any schools teaching Romanticism?
L: I am mostly self taught. I had the standard battery of public school art programs and a few college "art" classes. For the most part, what is taught in such classes is trivial and must be carefully screened for the rare bit of useful information. I studied Illustration at Utah State University under Glen Edwards, who actually knew a thing or two about composition and how to draw. (Unlike "Fine Art" programs, graduates in Illustration actually have to be somewhat proficient in order to make a living.) I learn a lot discussing art and art technique with other artists whose ideas I agree with. As for my philosophy of art, I owe a lot to Ayn Rand for her writings on the subject in The Fountainhead and The Romantic Manifesto.
To my knowledge there are no schools of Romantic Realism in existence (yet).
