Tag Archives: art brut

Visitor from the Dreamtime

Lisa Griffen, Visitor from the Dreamtime, acrylic and ink on 18x24" canvas.

Lisa Griffen, Visitor from the Dreamtime, acrylic and ink on 18×24″ canvas.

I watched the movie Tracks on Netflix. It’s about Robin Davidson’s solo trek across the Australian desert in the 1970s. Then I read her book, which gave a lot more detail, especially about the Aboriginal people she met along her way. That got me interested in reading about the spirituality of indigenous Australians. I’m especially intrigued by the Creation stories about the Dreamtime.

A few days after I finished all that reading, this figure showed up in my painting, clearly emerging from those explorations.

Art Challenge

Simon. Mixed media on 6x6" canvas.

Simon. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.

These are my black, white and red paintings for the 6th Annual Art Challenge at Village Gallery. I’m glad I chose to use these colors and I like the way the paintings turned out. The photos look a little fuzzy for some reason but they’re bright and sharp in person.

The reception is tomorrow from 2-4 pm. It’s going to be a fun reception with a good crowd, so if you’re in the area, stop by and see us!

Bertrand. Mixed media on 6x6" canvas.

Bertrand. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.

George. Mixed media on 6x6" canvas.

George. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.

Francois. Mixed media on 6x6" canvas.

Francois. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.

Cat and Kittens

This painting is a little different– the colors are more muted than my usual palette, there’s more going on in the background, and it has three figures instead of one. I’m happy with the subdued colored and the rawness of the mother cat. I’m also happy that it sold the day after I posted it on Facebook!

Cat and Kittens, mixed media 20x16". Sold.

Cat and Kittens, mixed media 20×16″. Sold.

Wheeee!

Here’s a new little painting. Maybe I shouldn’t call it new…the dog started to emerge back in July. Then he hung around the studio, frozen in his downhill race, until I finished him up this week.

Original outsider art painting, mixed media on 14x11" canvas. $90.

Original outsider art painting, mixed media on 14×11″ canvas. $90.

Love of Portland

Lisa Griffen, Opening Doors. mixed media on 20x20" canvas.

Lisa Griffen, Opening Doors. mixed media on 20×20″ canvas.

Today I dropped off these two new paintings at People’s Art in Pioneer Place for their annual Love of Portland show. This is the third time I’ve participated and I’m happy to be involved. The show opens with a reception/birthday party for the organizers on February 21.

Lisa Griffen, Not the Boss of Me. mixed media on 16x20" canvas.

Lisa Griffen, Not the Boss of Me. mixed media on 16×20″ canvas.

Sold

Lisa Griffen, Fighting Words. mixed media on 8x8" wood. Sold.

Lisa Griffen, Fighting Words. mixed media on 8×8″ wood. Sold.

The Big 500 show wrapped up this week and I found out these two paintings sold! I’ve sold quite a few paintings by now but I still get excited every time someone buys one, and I always wonder who it was who made that connection with the art. It’s a good feeling to know they’re out there in the world.

Lisa Griffen, Snarky the Cat. mixed media on 8x8" wood. Sold.

Lisa Griffen, Snarky the Cat. mixed media on 8×8″ wood. Sold.

Merry Christmas from the Frog Princess!

Remember those little books that came with a 45 record? There would be a beep when it was time to turn the page. I played them on my red and white portable record player. Ok, I’m showing my age now.

I had the story of the Frog Prince and I must have listened to it hundreds of times. “Princess, Princess, open up…” It was so creepy.

It must have lodged in my subconscious, because last month I found myself painting this little lady.

Lisa Griffen, Frog Princess. mixed media on 8x8" wood.

Lisa Griffen, Frog Princess. mixed media on 8×8″ wood.

Done and dropped off

Lisa Griffen, Brainwave. mixed media on 8x8" wood.

Lisa Griffen, Brainwave. mixed media on 8×8″ wood.

My art is all dropped off for the Big 500 at People’s Art. It’s going to be a huge show this year, spread across four galleries. I can’t wait to see all the art up. These are two of the ten small paintings I did.

Lisa Griffen, Archaeology. mixed media on 8x8" wood.

Lisa Griffen, Archaeology. mixed media on 8×8″ wood.