David Griffin & Brian Grimm
The West and the Wild
Although this isn’t the first rodeo for Western-inspired artists Brian Grimm and David Griffin, it will be their first two-man show together with Insight Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas. While both artists exude talent in the landscape depictions of the American West, they each bring different flavors to the table in the upcoming show The West and the Wild.
Griffin explains, “Brian and I have been put together in a lot of shows, but when asked by Insight Gallery who I wanted to join me for a two-man show, I immediately said Brian Grimm. Funny enough, I was his first pick as well.” Griffin looks forward to the collaboration and connection that both of their work ignites.
While Griffin began his artistic career by including a figure such as a cowboy on a horse or ranch hand at work, he evolved into purely landscape imagery. He plans on continuing his landscape and skyscape oil paintings for the rest of his career.
Born and raised in Western Texas to farmers and cowboys, Griffin says, “I got dirt under my nails that I never wanted to wash off. Not many people feel the land is very pretty where I’m from, but I’ve connected with it. I’m painting my heritage and my family’s heritage.”
Brian Grimm is similar in his approach to the Texas landscape but always includes an animal into the scene. “I like to experience what I paint,” says Grimm. “When I go out researching the landscape, I like to let things unfold. Sometimes I come across a deer or bobcat and will chase them down. I just run with whatever nature throws at me.” Most times Grimm is first inspired by the lighting of a landscape and will then introduce the right animal to the scene.
Both artists hope that collectors notice a more refined quality to the new work, showing with the gallery from April 3 to 24. Grimm hopes to imbue more consistency
and confidence in the execution. “The new work is painterly but also thoughtful and purposeful in the brushwork,” he says. “There is enough detail to satisfy the eye without being photographic.“Griffin furthers the scope for his collectors, hoping they notice the honesty and truth in his subject matter. “I want people to trust that I’m attacking it every day and allowing the raw beauty of a place to tell the story.” Most times a place is overlooked or considered ordinary, and Griffin works to make you stop and notice.
Although Griffin and Grimm merge different elements into a scene, working more intuitively, what’s created are brilliant moments with extraordinary attention to lighting and composition. Viewers can expect a mix of painting sizes, showcasing larger than life skyscapes, intimate moments with wildlife, and small moments to celebrate.