Larry’s interest in art blossomed from an early age, but a particular appreciation for painting was gleaned from one of his commercial art instructors. B.H. Armstrong,  while attending MSU. Armstrong, himself an accomplished painter, encouraged Larry to paint, and his passion for it soon built an enduring enthusiasm in Larry as well.

Clingman moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1973, and, as a commercial artist, worked his way through designer, illustrator, and creative director titles with two of the town’s leading ad agencies and art studios. He started his own company in 1987 and enjoyed success working with national and regional clients for the next 20 years.

Since 2004, Clingman has devoted himself entirely to his painting. The painting style of Chiaroscuro strongly motivates and inspires Larry in many of his works. Old master’s influences include Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Chardin. Contemporary iconic influences include Albert Handell, Richard Schmid, David Leffel, Gregg Kruetz, and Jeff Legg.

Clingman’s paintings have exhibited regularly in regional galleries and shows including The American Art in Miniature Show at Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Spiva Art Center in Joplin, Missouri.

Two personally selected paintings by Richard Schmid were included in the top 52 works of the nationally recognized 14^th Annual Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction in Rist Canyon, Colorado. Clingman’s work was also juried in the 2010 and 2011 Oil Painter’s of America Western Regional Show, and most recently in the 2011 National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils at Devin Galleries in Coeur D’Alene Idaho.

Larry resides in Bixby, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, with his wife Kathy, where he paints in the Pin Oak Studio.