James griffin, artist

10/05/2026

On October 2nd, our Cross Pollination exhibition opened at the Fischman Gallery in Johnson City.
Our son, Josh Tammaro of VanityPhotoFilms.com beautifully captured the magic of the evening in this video. Watching it, I feel the energy, warmth, and excitement of the opening.
I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and to the Fischman Gallery for giving our work such a wonderful home.
Cross Pollination will be on view through November 1st.
If you weren’t able to join us for the opening, I hope this little glimpse gives you a feeling for the evening. ✨🎨

09/14/2026

It's official!
The Griffin Art Gallery will be moving to
240 East Main Street in Downtown Johnson City in Tennessee.
We hope to open sometime in mid November! Our gallery in Jonesborough will be open until November 7th. Come visit us before we move!

09/05/2026

Sign up now!
This fall, on November 7th and 8th join us for a fun and inspiring painting workshop in historic Jonesborough, nestled in the beautiful mountains of northeastern Tennessee.
Led by acclaimed artist James Griffin, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from a painter with decades of professional experience. James has earned a reputation for creating classes that are relaxed, enjoyable, and highly effective at helping artists become more expressive, confident, and free in their creative process.
Open to artists of all skill levels, the workshop is designed to help participants overcome inhibitions, unlock their creativity, and discover the artist within. James is experienced in a wide range of styles, from realism and impressionism to abstraction. He also enjoyed a distinguished career as an illustrator of romance novel covers for more than 50 years. His paintings can be found in museums and private collections around the world.
Classes will be held at the beautiful Griffin Art Gallery, located on Main Street in Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town.
This promises to be a truly unique artistic experience—whether you are just beginning your creative journey or are an experienced painter looking to refresh your vision. Come paint, learn, relax, and enjoy the charm of what many consider the cutest town in Tennessee.
Space is limited. Reserve your place today and join us for an unforgettable weekend of art, inspiration, and creativity.

description

07/27/2026

CHANGE, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, 2026, James Griffin b.Canada (1949-). My latest Painting, continues the spiral theme, but now a large spiral has become more aggressive, knocking into a figure.
In nature spiral are everywhere, and to me, they represent nature and the cosmos. In this painting, the spiral represents change.
It is said that change is the only constant in the universe. Usually, we take them in stride and adapt. Sometimes however, the changes are vast and world-altering. That’s what our current time feels like. Systems that have existed for long periods are breaking down. Old ways are no longer serving us and the path ahead seems uncertain.

That was all on my mind in this painting. The figure which is itself began as a spiral, is being knocked off of its footing by the giant spiral coming from the right side. That spiral contains the stars of the universe beyond, hinting that the change is from forces much larger than us.
This painting is not a pretty picture in the usual sense, but I think it’s beauty lies in how it conveys a message from the subconscious about the moment we are in.

07/01/2026

ENGAGEMENT. Acrylic on canvas, 46 x 46 inches (117 x 117 cm), 2026, c. James Griffin, b. Canada (1949-).
This painting went through a lengthy period of development, meaning it stood facing the wall for over a year, while I worked on other things. Then, when I had arrived at a point knowing what to do with it, I. Was able to finish it. Art often needs time for the artist to catch up to the concepts that were begun but not understood. I began the piece with the intertwined branches, only incorporating the spirals into it much later. I have been exploring spirals recently, but this image combines rough forms directly from nature with the lyrical power of spirals. So much in nature has the structure of the spiral built into it, from the tiniest molecule to the vast galaxies. Even our bones contain the spiral form, giving them structural flexibility and strength. Engagement with life should be the title. Perhaps you can feel the dance of life going on in this painting. Please let me know your thoughts and reactions.

06/12/2026

CHILD. Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 inches (122 x 122 cm), 2026. C. James Griffin, b. Canada, (1949-).
This painting may or may not be finished, but it seems to have magic.
The young girl appeared in the paint, demanding that I bring her to life. My belief is that most children are born with genius. Their minds are open, not yet blocked and limited by society. Perhaps they are attuned to the consciousness of the universe at birth and spend most of their lives forgetting it, becoming what society wants them to be. But sometimes a child escapes that, never losing sight of what they know and what they are. While our world tells them to become a version of their parents, to become what authorities want them to be and labels daydreaming and doodling as bad. I think the ability to play is essential to remaining in a higher state. Play I not only fun, it allows imagination to take precedence over the mundane. Play is what brings discoveries and breakthroughs. The genius/ child is alive inside all of us and the key is imagination and play.

05/27/2026

EMPATH. Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 x 1.5 inches, 76 x 76 cm, 2026. I am usually a fairly quick painter, but every now and then a piece gives me trouble, probably because I’m not sure where it’s going. This one took almost two years of painting and repainting and destroying, restoring and pushing ahead. She is no one in particular, but more of a combination of many people I’ve known. What it means is up to you!

05/27/2026

Check out my my new artwork available on Singulart.

The Chimera was a mythological creature from the ancient Greeks. It was able to change its form at will, sometimes appearing as several different things at o...

04/16/2026

Sometimes an opportunity presents itself that seems unlikely. James was contacted by the curator for the Office of Art in Embassies with a request to include two of his paintings in the American Embassy in Singapore. Today these two paintings Iridescence and Allegro- White Bird of Paradise are on their way. James was very excited!