I’m very happy to find out that my “Sancho” is one of the paintings that have already sold at the Black + White + One show. There’s still lots of art to see at the new Insomnia on Main St in Hillsboro until the end of April!
Riis Griffen, “Sancho,” mixed media on 12×12″ canvas.
This is the fourth year I’ve been involved in the Big 500 show and it’s always a great show with a huge variety of work and a ton of enthusiastic art fans.
Because I’m working in a makeshift studio after the tree incident and I’m in the process of getting my real studio rebuilt, I decided to paint five pieces this year instead of my usual ten.
People’s Art has closed but Chris Haberman and Jason Brown, the show organizers, found a new location at the Ford Gallery (2505 SE 11th, Portland). Can’t wait to see all the art in this new space.
The reception will be on Saturday, December 10 from 2 pm to 7 pm. Another change this year is that the show will only run until December 23, so be sure to stop by!
Lisa Griffen, “No More Candy.” Mixed media on 16×20″ canvas.
I finished this painting on Thursday and dropped it off yesterday, along with 5 others, for the 53rd Annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts that takes place next weekend (June 24-26). This is my first time doing the Open Show at the festival. I’m excited about entering my paintings in such a big show that gets over 20,000 visitors. Standing in the long line to drop off art, I was looking at the beautiful florals and landscapes around me and thinking my art would definitely stand out–hopefully in a good way.
When I got home, one of the show volunteers had written me to say that he was glad to see my work there and that photos online don’t do my paintings justice. That made my night!
Lisa Griffen, Humphrey, mixed media on 8×8″ wood.
This is one of my paintings that sold at the Big 500 show at People’s Art in Portland. The show ran from mid-December to mid-January and eight of my ten paintings sold. I heard from several artist friends who had similar results, so it seems like it was a very successful show this year!
Lisa Griffen, Pajama Party for One, mixed media on 8×8″ wood.
This little piggy has his PJ’s on and he’s ready for fun! My second painting finished for the Big 500 show at Peoples Art in Portland, which opens December 12 at 2 pm with a huge reception.
Wishbone. Original mixed media outsider art painting on 16×20″ canvas. $200.
I’ve had a bad cold since returning from vacation, but made it out of bed this morning to hang my solo show at the Cedar Hills New Seasons cafe with lots of help from my sweet husband. Wishbone and 12 other animal-themed paintings will be there until the end of September.
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.
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 6×6″ canvas.
George. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.
Francois. Mixed media on 6×6″ canvas.
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 20×16″. Sold.
Wishbone. Original mixed media outsider art painting on 16×20″ canvas. $200.
I’m not sure why his name is Wishbone, but he looks wistful, doesn’t he? This is a new painting, finished amid the bustle of a very busy week. Maybe this bunny is wishing for a vacation!