Meet David Griffin of David Griffin Studio in Northeast Dallas

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Griffin.

David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My personal journey to become a fine artist, began in an act of desperation (another story for another time) in college. While studying and finishing my course work toward a BFA in Design at Texas Tech University, I was accepted ,by nothing short of a miracle, to the first New York Illustrators Workshop , where I was taught and mentored by Mark English, Bernie Fuchs and Bob Peak, the best illustrators of that era. My art career/life began then as an illustrator; from the 70’s and continued through the 80’s, and in my small way, achieving a modicum of success. Around 1990 I began, what would become my real career, my attempt to become a fine artist, and devote all my time, attention and commitment to toward learning what all this life requires. I soon found “my calling” and discovered that painting was more than a vocation. Early on, I was again lucky and blessed to be able to study with Bettina Steinke and James Reynolds, art heroes of mine. From those days until now, I have been committed to this life long journey of learning how to communicate through my paintings. “My paintings are direct observations, results of a life and heritage spent close to the Land, the People, the West.” It’s a calling to satisfy a deep desire to speak in a visual medium, telling stories; all the time looking west. My ability to portray these subjects is not without its own struggles. Painting is hard work, but I’m committed to communicating the story in a passionate way, with honesty and vitality that the subjects/ stories deserve.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In a word “No”, it has been anything but smooth. But the strange thing I eventually found out was that “the struggle” was and still is the exact place I need to be. The struggles are too numerous to mention, but suffice it to say the pain/ struggle is the only place where real growth takes place. These times have been the best teacher, and now I don’t fret over (at least not as much) the difficulty. Although the tough times are many, I would say just the simple fact of trying to get the idea from my head, to my heart and then to my hands is by far the hardest; drawing and mixing colors are a close second.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with David Griffin Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The “business” I guess I’m in is communicating stories/beauty on canvas. Along the way I hope that these paintings will resonate with someone who has heard the same song as I did when I painted them, and they decide they want this in their life. I do this; connect people with my paintings in a number of places, my studio in Dallas, galleries and shows; Kornye West (Ft Worth), InSight Gallery (Fredericksburg, Tx.), Coors/ National Western Exhibit and Sale (Denver,CO.) Legacy Galleries (Scottsdale, AZ., Jackson Hole, Wy.) and a number of other shows/ exhibits. I specialize in painting the people, the land, the American West.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to be able paint tomorrow and the day after and the day after that…, continuing to search for my visual voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: davidgriffinstudio.com
• Email: davidgriffinstudio@sbcglobal.net
• Instagram: davidrgriffin

Image Credit:
Profile photo I’m painting at “Ghost Ranch” NM.

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