Outsider Art Figurative Paintings

Artist Comments
"It's May in Florida, but you know how it is for those who live there full-time. They get used to the hot weather, and the slightest cool breeze sends them scrambling for a jacket," says artist Johansen Newman. She presents a colorful portrait of Ida, bundled up in layers of clothing and wearing a straw hat. She sits on a folding aluminum chair...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman displays an image of a tattooed woman sitting alone in a tavern surrounded by men. "There's a lot writte...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman paints a detailed portrait of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. She bases the piece's title on Frida's diary, where she often recorded thoughts about their life together. "I took the words literally by painting Diego only in shades of black and white while rendering Frida in full color," says Johansen. Frida's vibrant clothing and jewelry sharply contrast Diego's limited palette.The painting comes with a handmade, embellished wood assemblage frame painted black.

About the Artist
Artist Johansen Newman captures various characters through charming scenes that often weave nostalgia. A reflection of her fondness for edge and funk prevails in her dynamic portrayal of humans with animals and objects of their affection. As a toddler, her mother gave her crayons and allowed her to draw on the walls of her room. She pursued a degree in painting and printmaking, then furthered her education by studying with Bil Baird at his puppet theater in New York, ultimately forming her puppet troupe. Years of crafting puppets, designing scenery, writing stories, and performing shows developed her arsenal of skills—going on to be an award-winning fiber artist exhibiting throughout North America. She integrates these learnings into her current art practice. "My paintings capture fragments of a tale in a time and place that was, is, or has the promise to become," says Johansen. She works at her studio and display gallery at Gorse Mill Studios, a 19th Century textile mill building in Needham, MA. Her woodworking shop doubles as her home studio, where she constantly evolves her compositions to satisfy her aesthetic. Johansen's work has been featured on the cover of local publications, in pictorial essays, and toured museums across the United States. She was a professional and published illustrator for more than 35 years, including two dozen children's books, three of which she also wrote. Besides creating art, she finds herself an enthusiast of vintage collectibles, jukeboxes, signages, tin toys, neon lights, cookie jars, carnival chalkware...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman paints a contemporary portrait of a tattooed man smoking and drinking by the bar. "I imagined the voice ...

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A young woman stands on the beach, a red flower adding a touch of whimsy to her pink bikini. Bold lines outline her figure as stylized waves crash behind her....

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This painting captures a moment of quiet deliberation. A stunning woman with thick, lustrous hair gazes thoughtfully toward an unseen companion, her expressio...

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A daydreaming twelve-year-old holds her velvety black cat, surrounded by a jungle of houseplants. The painting is inspired by the artist Jessica JH Roller's daughter, Wren, and her ever-loyal cat, Pepper. Created using layers of high-quality acrylic paint, this piece captures a moment of serene contemplation amidst a lush, green backdrop.

About the Artist
Artist Jessica JH Roller paints whimsical and playful compositions of animals and people, marked by bold colors and primitivist linework. She distills a scene into a few simple shapes, using color to create contrast and vibrancy, often choosing palettes that reflect pop culture. "My adopted kittens, Tony and Larry, opened my eyes and unleashed the artist inside me," shares Jessica. "After, I started to notice birds, trees, color, everything." Jessica brings to life her dynamic creations in the comfort of her studio in her century-old home. She enjoys listening to music and audiobooks while painting with her 18-year-old acrylic-covered easel. When not painting, Jessica cherishes time with her family and five cats, teaches yoga, and enjoys cycling along the river.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, girl, houseplants, cat, folk, pet, friendship, love, foliage, animals, people, primitive, acrylic painting, pink

Girl with Black Cat...

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This self-portrait captures a quiet moment with a neutral expression. The piece magnifies the artist's desire to live true and minimally, reflecting a sincere...

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An eight-year-old boy, thoughtfully engaged in reading one early autumn morning. This painting depicts the artist Jessica JH Roller's son, Fox, calmly immerse...

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Artist Johansen Newman paints four women celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, a tribute to the festive Mexican holiday. "On this day...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller paints a woman sitting on the ground with her legs crossed. Vibrant wildflowers in pink and red thrive all around her. "Summer is in ...