Tag Archives: self-taught artist

Big 500 paintings

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!

Rumpelstiltskin is my name

What a fun, energetic reception! The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale show opened tonight at the Portland’5 Center for the Arts, where it will be on view until the end of May. I’m honored to be included in this show, especially now that I’ve seen the other art. So many fascinating and beautiful interpretations of these stories, including some of the lesser-known tales. It’s worth a look so if you’re in the area, stop in and check it out!

"Rumpelstiltskin," by Lisa Griffen. Mixed media outsider art painting on 20x16" canvas. Currently available at Portland'5 Center for the Arts.

“Rumpelstiltskin,” by Lisa Griffen. Mixed media outsider art painting on 20×16″ canvas. Currently available at Portland’5 Center for the Arts.

Handful of Stars

Handful of Stars, mixed media outsider art painting on 18x24" canvas. $270.

Handful of Stars, mixed media outsider art painting on 18×24″ canvas. $270.

This is one of those paintings that didn’t want to come together for ages, until it suddenly did. I’d like to figure out what it is that sparks that resolution, because it would make my painting process a lot faster! And then this little lady lingered on the easel all summer because I’ve been so busy I didn’t have time to put the finishing touches on her. It was great to get back into the studio last week and finally finish her. This isn’t a very good photo, because I snapped it hastily before she went off to People’s Art in Portland for their So Many Days, So Many Dead show that opens on October 17. The show hangs until November 15, so stop by to see her and three more of my paintings in person!