Outsider Art

Artist Comments
This painting draws inspiration from an old photograph from 1945, capturing a joyous moment of five ladies holding hands in celebration. Their faces light up with smiles and laughter, radiating an infectious delight. The contrasting colors of red and green bring a simple yet visually harmonious element to the scene.

About the Artist

Words that describe this painting: happy, joy, celebration, women, woman, dancing, dress, friends, friendship, people, fashion, primitive, oil painting, pink

1945
Connie Millholland...

Artist Comments
The artwork depicts a snapshot of modern urban life, where people on the streets are glued to their phones. Whether chatting, checking notifications, or scrolling through feeds, the scene shows how busy a city can be in the digital age. Using a harmonious palette mostly with warm orange tones, the painting exudes a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Loose brushstrokes infuse the composition with liveliness.

About the Artist

Words that describe this painting: street, walking, cellphone, crowd, walking, urban, crowd, pedestrians, shadow, warm, people, primitive, oil painting, orange

Regressive
Connie Millholland...

Artist Comments
In this whimsical painting, a family of deer roams around a nature reserve. An owl perches on one of the trees, silently observing the woodland activity. A profusion of flowers adorn the scene, adding to the charm of the composition.

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: forest, deer, deers, wildlife, folk, trees, owl, tree, trees, whimsical, nursery, animals, primitive, acrylic painting, red

Yellow Springs Deer Family...

Artist Comments
A group of joyful women walks down the street, each holding a glass of wine, a balloon, or a book, celebrating and having a good time. Their laughter fills the air, creating a vibrant and festive scene. Their attire matches the purple and yellow background, adding to the lively atmosphere.

About the Artist

Words that describe this painting: women, woman, friends, friend, fashion, wine, celebration, friendship, people, fashion, primitive, oil painting, purple

1926
Connie Millholland...

Artist Comments
A young woman with striking blue hair sits on a fence, accompanied by her faithful dog. Their eye contact speaks volumes, showing a deep connection and love b...

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In this whimsical painting, three birds soar high against a yellow sky. A pine tree, adorned with lush leaves, stands alongside another bare of foliage. The col...

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A small group of children huddle around a street fire. The flickering flames cast a modest glow on their pale complexions and provide warmth on a cold winter night. In this piece, artist Connie Millholland...

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Inspired by antique equestrian portraits, artist Jennifer Ross depicts a chestnut horse wearing a plaid blanket in a stall. The steed grazes in a barn strewn wi...

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A brown dog caught between mischief and innocence, portrayed through bold outlines and a subtly hidden grin. The textured body of the canine, layered with strat...

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In their daily lives, individuals from diverse backgrounds briefly converge in a shared space as they progress toward a mutual destination. The scene portrays a busy subway station where individuals may have brief and disconnected interactions but are all bound by the same journey and humanity. Each person's story weaves together with others, forming a tapestry of diverse experiences and connections.

About the Artist

Words that describe this painting: street, subway, crowd, traveling, shadow, urban, people, primitive, oil painting, grey

Waiting
Connie Millholland...

Artist Comments
In a neighborhood building, old friends huddle around a worn table to play mahjong. Their eyes are focused on the tiles, thinking of the best strategy to win th...

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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 personality ...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller depicts four ponies in bright, playful tones and bold graphic style. "I wish to give a new tilt to colors often used in fashion and hom...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller paints a playful portrait of a king toad surrounded by white daylilies. "He lives in a quaint cottage alone, but he has a human friend ...

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"Just off Brady Street, in Milwaukee’s East Side, there used to be a place with class and style," says artist Leroy Burt. The store was a treasure trove of vintage goodies that were as fun to dig through as to wear. The shop was full of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags, some dating back to the golden days of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. The ceiling was pink and covered with toys, trinkets, signs, and other captivating eye candy.

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...

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Artist Lee Smith presents a charming piece featuring sixteen dogs, each exuding its delightful and unique personality. Packed into a composition, their distinct...