David Griffin Biography
"Painting is more than a vocation: It's a calling to satisfy a deep desire to speak in a visual medium and tell stories, all the while looking West. My paintings are direct observations, results of a life and heritage spent close to the Land, the People, the West. My ability to portray these subjects is not without its own struggle. Painting is hard work, but I'm committed to improving my ability to communicate the story in a passionate way, with the honesty and vitality the subject deserves. Although the American West is not the only subject I enjoy painting, I am satisfied that I value God's gift in whatever stage I'm in, and that my purpose is to be the best steward of that gift I can be."
David grew up in Lubbock,Texas. After studying Fine Art at Texas Tech University, he was invited to attend the first Illustrators Workshop New York, where for two years he studied with Bernie Fuchs, Mark English, and Bob Peak. His work was recognized many times by the Illustrators Annual National Show during the 1970's-80's. In 1990, he began to devote full time to painting professionally, sharing a studio with Bart Forbes for the next 10 years. He also studied with Bettina Steinke and James Reynolds, two of his artist heroes. In addition to having his work featured in magazines articles including Cowboys and Indians, Victoria, Dallas Morning News, Western Art Collector,Western Art and Architecture, Southwest Art ( cover and feature Oct 2013) and corporate collections, David has been invited to participate many nationally and internationally juried shows. Some of the more recent include Oil Painters of America Exhibit (Award of Excellence), National Ranching Heritage Museum Texas Tech University (two-man exhibit)2012, American Impressionist Society 2015, Maynard Dixon Invitational 2016, (awarded Silver Thunderbird for best body of work), 14th Art Renewal Center International Salon Competition Touring Exhibitions /Sotheby's NYC and MEAM Museum Barcelona, Spain (awarded 2nd place landscape category, and an honorable mention for the two paintings entered and the American Legacy Award), Coors National Western Art Exhibition 2010-2023 (Featured Artist 2022), Bullock Museum (selected as a Texas Centennial Artist to produce paintings for the 100th Anniversary of Texas State Parks) 2020, Birds in Art International Exhibition Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum (2021), Briscoe Museum Night of the Artist (2024). Victor Higgins Award of Distinction for the best body of work at the Eiteljorg Museum, 2024 "Quest for the West" show. At the 2025 Eiteljorg Museum "Quest of the West" show David received the " Artist's Choice Award. Also in 2026 David participated in the Coors Show for his 15th year, to another sold out show.
David and his wife Lorna split their time between their home/studio in Dallas, Texas, where they raised their three children, Ryan, Elizabeth, and Michael, and their home/studio in Cordillera, Colorado.
