Larry Goode received his BFA from The University of Texas at Austin, and his MFA from Texas State University. Goode’s work has been acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago’s special collections library and Seton Hospital’s permanent collection as well as many private collections, and been included in the HBO series, The Leftovers, displayed at the Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, the Austin Public Library. Spending considerable time as a youth on a ranch east of Dallas and in the Texas hill country, Goode developed a love for the sky, vast open ranges, the unpredictability of weather, and an interest in how these affect our emotions and perceptions. His work evokes a whimsical and surreal attitude, reflecting a subtle commentary on the absurdity of modern-day life. Indeed, the work has been described as: “if cotton candy hired Francis Bacon to do interior design”, a description he emphatically endorses. Larry is left handed, but sometimes draws with his right, loves dogs, and currently lives and works in Austin, Texas. Statement My work explores the tension between structure and chaos, the tangible and the ephemeral. Grounded in my background as a graphic designer, I approach painting with a deep sensitivity to space, balance, and composition. Through a layered process of applying, scraping, and rediscovering paint, I create abstract landscapes that exist between the familiar and the surreal. Vibrant pinks, oranges, and yellows infuse my work with warmth and energy, while the interplay of color, form, and line evokes the complexities of lived experience. My design sensibilities guide my use of space—each element intentionally placed to create rhythm, mood, and emotional resonance. I am drawn to the idea of space, both physical and psychological. Large fields of color contrast with intricate textures, inviting the viewer to look closer and uncover new relationships within the surface. Negative space functions as a visual pause, amplifying the tension between simplicity and complexity. Within my structured approach, I embrace spontaneity. Drips, scratches, and gestures emerge naturally, introducing unpredictability and honesty. Whimsical marks mingle with refined geometry, reflecting the duality of human nature—innocence and sophistication, intuition and precision. My process is one of constant evolution: I build up layers only to expose what lies beneath, creating traces of history and memory within each piece. Occasionally, I title works after individuals’ birthdays—transforming abstraction into intimate portraiture. Ultimately, my paintings are invitations to explore and interpret. They ask the viewer to embrace ambiguity, to find meaning in the abstract, and to engage with the subtle dialogue between order and chaos. Each piece is a journey through color, emotion, and design—a balance of control and surrender that continues to evolve with every viewing.