Outsider Art Paintings

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Artist Jaime Ellsworth depicts a sturdy white stallion with its face out of frame. A girl with a red skirt—also obscured from perspective—stands on its ba...

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A solitary horse stands prominently against a cream-colored background. Created with multiple layers of oil paint, the artwork boasts a unique texture, reveal...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller paints a portrait of a charming pair of long-bodied dogs. She draws inspiration from the jolly pet daschunds of her friend. Jessica's...

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Sparrows take flight and glide with the breeze. As they move in different directions, their angular forms overlap in an organic pattern. Bold black outlines con...

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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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A brown horse with a white tail and mane dips its nose into a black bag dangling from its head. The name Palomino appears above, hinting at a story. Layers of a...

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Artist Sharon Sieben paints a gestural portrait of a nude woman gracefully undressing her white robe. The figure strikes a classic pose as she contemplates a ...

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A raccoon stands on a tree stump, playing music for a mischief of mice. Sunlight filters through the trees above and acts as a spotlight for the performance. Th...

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Soft brushwork and a mix of bright and gentle hues bring a sense of calm to this misty scene. Lively wildflowers bloom in the foreground, their cheerful tones a...

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During chilly weather, Rosemary often sits by a warm radiator in artist Jessica JH Roller's studio, observing falling leaves and busy squirrels outside. The room boasts a cluster of houseplants in various containers, alongside Jessica's nearby easel. One Wednesday morning, Jessica found inspiration from both Rosemary and a specific ceramic pot.

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: cat, folk...

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Jessica JH Roller paints a self-portrait of a mastered yoga pose. It captures the geometric beauty of the posture called Ustrasana, or Camel. The subtle curve...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller paints a primitivist portrait of her cat, Rachel. With her sleek black fur and striking yellow eyes, the feline's electric personalit...

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"While both very large and very strong, Fritz was a very timid dragon," says artist Andrea Doss. "He was afraid of everything, from the shadows of tree branch...

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Artist Jaime Ellsworth captures a clever brown dog skillfully balancing a red ball and a black bird on its head. With curious gazes, the critters turn to their right as if something has piqued their interest. The two-tone backdrop of ochre and moss green sets the stage for this endearing scene.

About the Artist
Jaime Ellsworth paints animals. Her career as a cowhand never got off the ground, so she stumbled into art never knowing it would complement her passion for animals so completely. Most subjects are her own, but lately she has expanded out of her corral to include bears and beasts not commonly seen on San Juan Island, in the Pacific Northwest, where she's lived for the last 30 years. She suspects it will be years before she runs out of inspiration or has jeans that aren’t covered with paw prints or paint.

Words that describe this painting: dog, bird, ball, whimsical, happy, playful, animals, acrylicpaint, portrait, profile, primitive, animals, primitive, acrylic painting, brown

Dog Ball...

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A poised cat with striking blue eyes sits amid an array of houseplants and dining wares. Pops of yellow contrast vibrantly against the background. The bold li...

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A black horse with white spots gallops with all its might, following the outlined route in the background. The painting carries a whimsical tone with its colo...

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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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A purple Siamese cat sits upright against a vibrant turquoise background filled with coneflowers. Artist Jessica JH Roller emphasizes the similarity of forms ...

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"The elephant always hosted the best tea parties, everyone agreed," says artist Andrea Doss. "Her dream was to bake a cake taller than the giraffe, but she ha...

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A stylized hawk spreads its wings before an orange sun, surveying a tiny pond below. This scene is inspired by a morning fishing outing where artist Jessica J...

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"This lovely and graceful girl wearing her new red coat greets her smallest cat," says artist Jessica JH Roller. She holds her wide-eyed pet against her chest as if showing the viewer. The cat stares out with open curiosity. A delightful portrait using bold hues and painterly strokes.

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: girl, folk art...

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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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"The Great Cake Caper of 2019 happened in the early morning hours while the moon was still out on a Tuesday," says artist Andrea Doss. "The thieves made off w...

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Artist Jaime Ellsworth paints the everyday experiences of the animals she handles. She portrays a white dog vigilantly watching an eager crow. The dog sits wi...

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A family of doves nest on the porch roof of artist Jessica JH Roller's neighbor. Their chicks often wander to Jessica's fence, where they rest and perch among...

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In artist Pamela Hoke's charming portrait, an animated turtle lies on the sunlit seabed. A soothing yet potent expression reference...