Folk Art Paintings

Artist Comments
A colorful scene of a carnival in Rochester, Minnesota, with two young people strapped into their seats waiting for the ride to start. "I love the tawdry splendor of gaudy carnival attractions," says artist Leroy Burt. "Flashing lights and bright colors. One often sees the most unlikely combinations of people who might never meet except during those moments when they sit next to each other on rides."

About the Artist
Artist Leroy Burt paints playful, offbeat landscapes and portraits based on his experiences living in Milwaukee, New York, Costa Rica, and currently Rochester, Minnesota. "I think of my paintings as short stories," he says. As a young child, Leroy faced a number of obstacles. His parents divorced when he was four years old and he was raised by his grandparents in a three-room shack without running water or electricity. Leroy worked hard to pull himself out of poverty. He studied graphic design and painting, which led to a 30-year career in graphic design - five years at WMVS, the PBS television station in Milwaukee, fifteen years at city hall in Milwaukee, and ten years at WNET, the PBS station in New York. In 2015, Leroy retired to focus his energy on painting. Today, he works from a tiny studio filled with half-finished paintings stacked against every wall. "There are photos and sketches for future paintings taped everywhere," says Leroy. "My windows are filled with orchids. There are books, films and music CDs in every corner. And the room is dominated by a black and silver Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Marilyn Monroe."

Words that describe this painting: David Hockney, Edward Hopper, carnival, lights, excitement, colorful, folk art, people, representational, primitive, acrylic painting, blue

Carnival Ride...

Artist Comments
During her stay in South Florida, artist Jessica JH Roller visited the beach daily and painted on the calmer mornings. She created this piece during the trip, capturing the short-eared bunnies that emerged from the dunes each day, alongside the emerald and turquoise waters of the Atlantic coast. The folk art style, with its bold colors and black outlines, gives the piece a vibrant and playful quality.

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: ocean, tropical, sea, folk art, rabbits, bunnies, dune, beach, shore, animals, primitive, acrylic painting, green

Beach Bunnies...

Artist Comments
Artist Kira Yustak reveals a primitive seascape of the New Jersey docks during a breezy and relaxed evening. She paints a scene of boats gently drifting by th...

Artist Comments
"After a seemingly eternal summer, five little birds snug in their nest, silently enduring the chill and wind," describes artist Jessica JH Roller. The birds each carry a unique design, colored in similar hues of turquoise, black, beige, and brown. A bright band of orange and turquoise appears above the birds shifting into beige and dark green hues. A balanced composition painted in folk-art style with an energetic palette.

About the Artist
A few months after Jessica JH Roller and her husband were married, they adopted two young Siamese cats from a shelter -- Tony and Larry. Jessica quickly fell deeply in love with the kittens and says the cats changed her. "They opened my eyes - I started to notice birds, trees, water, color, everything. It was as if the artist inside had been unleashed.” Jessica uses bold colors and primitive linework to create whimsical, expressive portraits. She intends to capture real or imagined moments that are both common and extraordinary.

Words that describe this painting: birds, winter, folk art, animals, primitive, nursery, kids, acrylicpaint, small, animals, primitive, acrylic painting, green

Winter Birds...

Artist Comments
Large clusters of hydrangeas burst with vibrant blue hues, while a delicate butterfly perches on top, infusing the scene with life and lightness. Artist Kira ...

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The magic of fireflies fills the field, tempting three clever foxes to chase and capture them. They intend to use the glowing insects for various important pu...

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A fully-bloomed pansy flower displays the velvety texture of its petals. The vein markings and subtle shadows define its delicate form. Artist Pamela Hoke pai...

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A Siamese cat with bright blue eyes rests at the center, its golden fur accentuated by bold black outlines. A series of hearts filling the white background ad...

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On a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, artist Kira Yusak found inspiration watching the sunrise each morning during her beach strolls. She noticed the colors, clouds, an...

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Symbolic of water's vitality, artist Kira Yustak depicts a sight of hands cupping water from a clear river. She paints the introspective piece with an absorbi...

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Walking to a store one regular June afternoon, artist Jessica JH Roller noticed three goldfinches buzzing between a tree and a telephone pole. Drawn by her fa...

Artist Comments
A nude figure with flowing hair turns slightly to the side, with a speech bubble saying "hi." Minimalistic lines outline her body against a background with ve...