Outsider Art

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Artist Johansen Newman paints a military man displaying the symbols of his many accomplishments and acts of courage. Aglow with ribb...

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A grey bird swoops past a dog and dives into a berry bush in artist Jaime Ellsworth's playful piece. The playful work captures the whimsical sense of their unex...

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Artist Johansen Newman illustrates a nude portrait of a woman in the deep woods. She uses her unique combination of colors, patterns, and details, presenting a tattooed woman with flowing hair basking in the brilliant sunset light, surrounded by pygmy owls. Johansen draws fascination from the majesty of birds of prey and how they enhance the beauty of the human body. "The peacefulness of the ethereal moment is interrupted by the piercing eyes of the woman and her feathered friends," shares Johansen.

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...

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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 Pamela Hoke presents a fully-bloomed white chrysanthemum with its petals radiating in vigor. She finds herself enchanted by this flower from the beautiful autumn florals of her friend's farm. The work focuses on the form and subtle movement of the delicate petals. "It is as if the flower is reaching out for hugs," says Pamela.

About the Artist
Profound sensory experiences of nature unfold in artist Pamela Hoke's stylistically primitive representation of the world and her connection to it. Her vast array of subjects, including landscapes, florals, and animal portraits, emerge as intuitive expressions of energy in motion. She creates her own paint with natural earth and mineral pigments mixed with walnut oil—a beautiful and organic process used by the old masters. Pamela received her degree in fine arts at Ohio State University. Being fully immersed in the natural world ignited her creativity and increased her sense of belonging and overall well-being. She shares a semi-private studio with a group of painters on San Juan Island called the Friday Harbor...

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Taking inspiration from the famous Baroque painting, artist Lee Smith presents her spirited interpretation of Vermeer's masterpiece. In her playful rendition, she includes the mysterious model's favorite pet. Lee paints in the style of primitivism, creating a fresh perspective to the work. Rich with texture, the painting glows with intense color contrasts and playful patterns in the background.

About the Artist
Artist Lee Smith combines abstract, primitive, expressionist, and gritty contemporary art in her work. “My style is greatly influenced by years spent in CGI production and an unapologetic love for the daily comics,” says Lee. As a keen observer, she finds her inspiration in the social aspects of life. Her work represents human emotions and portrays these emotions by illustrating the animal world, often using those popular companions—cats and dogs. In her long professional career, Lee has worked as a newspaper layout artist, a visual merchandising specialist, a freelance graphic artist, a technical illustrator, and an art director. Lee retired from the corporate world ten years ago to concentrate on her art career. “Although I studied art in college, I prefer to describe myself as 'self-taught.' Years of irreplaceable hands-on experience have provided an extensive and invaluable continuing education in the arts,” says Lee. When building her current home in Oregon, she added a small studio that she keeps organized and clutter-free. She wears her trusty paint-covered denim overall when working, and typically listens to audiobooks or podcasts. “I have dozens of paintbrushes in cans all over the studio, but I have only about 10 favorites that I always use.”

Words that describe this painting: girl, dog, canine, pearl earring, scarf, classic, Vermeer, eyes, pet, medieval, Dutch Baroque, stencil, portrait, posed, head, profile, animal, girl, woman, people, mixed media, primitive, eyes, fashion, animals, people, fashion, primitive, mixed media artwork, green

Girl With Pearl Earring...

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A pink chrysanthemum blooms in artist Pamela Hoke's lively floral piece. "An island friend gifted me with an enchanting autumnal bouquet from her farm," shares Pam. The playful waving magenta petals drew her attention and compelled her to paint the flower. Pam expresses the vibrant bloom in naturally flowing paint strokes.

About the Artist
Profound sensory experiences of nature unfold in artist Pamela Hoke's stylistically primitive representation of the world and her connection to it. Her vast array of subjects, including landscapes, florals, and animal portraits, emerge as intuitive expressions of energy in motion. She creates her own paint with natural earth and mineral pigments mixed with walnut oil—a beautiful and organic process used by the old masters. Pamela received her degree in fine arts at Ohio State University. Being fully immersed in the natural world ignited her creativity and increased her sense of belonging and overall well-being. She shares a semi-private studio with a group of painters on San Juan Island called the Friday Harbor...

Artist Comments
Artist Jodi Dann pictures lemons hanging from a tree branch in a delightful color scheme. Part of a series focusing on the zesty fruit. "I can't get enough of t...

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A mouse, a bunny, and a fairy-winged dragon share afternoon tea in artist Andrea Doss' whimsical work. While sitting on charming mushroom stools, the creatures ...

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

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"I am fascinated by people surrounded by the things they love," shares artist Johansen Newman. She paints a couple posing proudly with their blue and white stoneware...

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Artist Lee Smith paints a golden-haired young woman walking her lively pup through a neighborhood. “Monica loves getting out in the f...

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A nude woman sits in an affecting posture, demonstrative of her feelings. Artist Sharon Sieben presents the expressive portrait evoking raw and powerful emotions. Her bold brushwork reveals an articulate and deep narrative. Sharon paints with strong strokes to create dynamic textures in the background.

About the Artist
Sharon Sieben prefers working in a loose, fluid technique and finds inspiration in the most unexpected things. Her parents bought her a set of oil paints when she was ten years old and it sparked her love of art. She especially admires the work of Impressionist artists such as Paul Cezanne because of how they broke tradition. When she's not making art, she enjoys reading and playing classical guitar...

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 shares a portrait of an older woman in a chic floral dress and fishnet stockings. In a deep blue Mid-Centu...

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"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...

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Artist Johansen Newman presents a contemporary portrait of a young tattooed woman. Her fiery red locks draw the viewer's attentio...

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Artist Jodi Dann displays a lemon tree with branches cascading heavily with plump fruit. They dangle from the thin twigs, inviting anyone who passes by to take one. "How can I resist the temptation to paint one of the most beautiful colored fruit?" asks Jodi.

About the Artist
In 1999, Jodi Dann seized the opportunity to become a full-time painter. Today, her paintings read like hazy memories of imagined faraway places. The compositions are abstract, but possess strong architectural elements, recalling bridges, arches, and doorways. Each piece retains an overall sense of place without prescribing a location, allowing the viewer to form an individualized connection with the work. Jodi paints from her cozy studio on her property in Oregon while listening to a variety of music on Pandora. She doesn’t feel the need to strive for perfection in her work. “Life isn’t perfect,” says Jodi. “Why force a painting to be?”

Words that describe this painting: lemons, fruit, leaves, citrus, fruit tree, branches, plant, nature, acrylicpaint, primitive, kitchenart, nature, primitive, acrylic painting, beige

Harvest Time...

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

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Artist Sharon Sieben paints a nude woman in the style of primitivism. The bold gestural strokes evoke raw and expressive emotions. "Something said or done does not meet with her approval," says Sharon. She uses thick layers of graphite and acrylic pigments to shape her vulnerable state.

About the Artist
Sharon Sieben prefers working in a loose, fluid technique and finds inspiration in the most unexpected things. Her parents bought her a set of oil paints when she was ten years old and it sparked her love of art. She especially admires the work of Impressionist artists such as Paul Cezanne because of how they broke tradition. When she's not making art, she enjoys reading and playing classical guitar...

Artist Comments
An endearing portrait of a cat sits center of the fruity pink piece. Artist Jessica JH Roller displays a soft feline silhouette with bright blue eyes. Plump a...

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Artist Johansen Newman paints a portrait of a blonde tattooed woman in front of a wall of pictures. Two gray cats sit with the sa...

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Artist Johansen Newman paints a portrait of two men with their shaggy-haired dog and two cats. A diverse array of potted plants f...

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Artist Johansen Newman paints a portrait of a man with three crows perching on him. She depicts a starry night, palm trees, and c...

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Artist Lee Smith presents seven bird friends gathered together, one grinning with joy. Bold brushstrokes outline each bird with coord...

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Artist Johansen Newman shares a portrait of an older man wearing a teal shirt and a straw hat. "Over the years, I've spent a lot of ti...

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"Rosemary and her cat dad need one another to feel completely relaxed," says artist Jessica JH Roller. "Both are so gentle, so kind and if her cat dad sits down...

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Artist Johansen Newman displays a detailed portrait of a woman carrying a potted plant. Birds sit on the branches and planter as ...