Outsider Art

Artist Comments
Artist Jessica JH Roller crafts a visual tale of a playful interaction between creatures of the night. "Long before the break of day, a bat enters a home, awa...

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Symbolic of water's vitality, artist Kira Yustak depicts a sight of hands cupping water from a clear river. She paints the introspective piece with an absorbi...

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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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A nude figure with flowing hair turns slightly to the side, with a speech bubble saying "hi." Minimalistic lines outline her body against a background with ve...

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Artist Libby Ramage presents an autumnal scene marked by large leaves falling from the sky. "As the sun fades, a young boy becomes the man," says Libby. Showi...

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A white-winged cat soars over a forest on its way to heaven. It wears a happy smile and carries a twinkle in its eyes. Bright verdant hues contrast with textu...

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In this whimsical assemblage by artist Libby Ramage, a man and his pooch attempt to court the lady and her wolf with a song of love. "Maybe it's the wine talk...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller spent time in South Florida Beach, where numerous species of crabs roam on the shore, lagoon, and bike trail. Jessica depicted them i...

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A poised cat with striking blue eyes sits amid an array of houseplants and dining wares. Pops of yellow contrast vibrantly against the background. The bold li...

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During chilly weather, Rosemary often sits by a warm radiator in artist Jessica JH Roller's studio, observing falling leaves and busy squirrels outside. The room boasts a cluster of houseplants in various containers, alongside Jessica's nearby easel. One Wednesday morning, Jessica found inspiration from both Rosemary and a specific ceramic pot.

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: cat, folk...

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Soft brushwork and a mix of bright and gentle hues bring a sense of calm to this misty scene. Lively wildflowers bloom in the foreground, their cheerful tones a...

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A boy and a bear sit back to back on a boat, one reading a book and the other blowing bubbles to a duck. Their quiet moment shows that friendship is a special k...

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Artist Libby Ramage shows a father and daughter being swept away by the beauty of the autumn leaves. "They try to grasp that which is beyond their size," says Libby. A horse gallops forward, representing the fading summer days. She chooses highly saturated colors to enrich the intensity of the moment. "Nature looms large in this artwork."

About the Artist
Libby Ramage infuses a playful and whimsical mood into her works. In fact, she credits the children she works with for greatly influencing her aesthetic. She often uses children’s abandoned work in her collages. Libby currently lives in New Jersey and finds inspiration in the work of Rauschenberg. She believes collectors should buy from the heart.

Words that describe this painting: man, daughter, fall, autumn, season, mixed media, small, leaves, people, horse, primitive, primitivism, nature, people, primitive, acrylic painting, orange

Falling Leaves...

Artist Comments
This painting vividly captures an old, abandoned farmhouse in disrepair, its weathered wood a testament to time. Beside it, a rickety outhouse leans, equally ...