Meet Steve Griggs | Loose and Expressive Watercolor Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Griggs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As a full-time artist, I spend my painting time learning and perfecting new techniques. I also teach other artists how to achieve my unique style of watercolor painting. For many years my partner, Sue, and I were planning for the day when I would leave my career in the design world and transition to full-time fine artist. As we drew closer to that time, however, we began to realize that there was so much more to being an artist than creating art. In order to share my paintings with the world, we needed a website, a social media presence, and a marketing plan. We wanted gallery representation and publication outlets and teaching opportunities. All of those efforts take time, energy, and a different kind of creativity from painting. We realized that in order to be highly successful as an artist I could not do it alone.

Ultimately, we decided that not only would I leave my design career to become a full-time artist but Sue, who was ready for new creative challenges, would also leave her thriving career in higher education to become a full-time business manager for our art business. We call ourselves Peace, Love, Art LLC as a way to reflect our personal and business values. I do all the painting and teaching and Sue does all the other business aspects. For over 40 years we have been life partners, parents, and supported one another through various individual goals and aspirations. Today we run a thriving art business together. The most important factor behind the success of my SteveGriggsWatercolor brand, is a partnership that allows me to focus on painting while Sue focuses on all of the business aspects that keep our entrepreneurial efforts moving forward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My particular style of watercolor painting is quite unique. Watercolor is a very challenging medium and mastering a loose and fluid style takes years of practice. Whereas most watercolor artists sketch the outline of their paintings on paper before beginning to paint, I never sketch on the paper. I work out all of the details of design, color, composition, format, and motif in sketchbooks before I start an actual painting. This gives my watercolor paintings a dynamic, moving, and evocative effect.

People are drawn into the story of my paintings because I give them just enough visual cues to begin the story but I include abstraction so they are able to complete the story themselves. So many people tell me they know the exact location of a painting scene. One person might see downtown Denver, another might see Philadelphia, and yet another might insist they see rue Cler in Paris. When asked to specify, I typically try to avoid answering because I want the story to be the viewer’s, not mine. So, whereas a representational painter tries to depict an exact scene, I paint with the goal of capturing a mood, spirit, or energy that the viewer can enter into.

This type of painting isn’t easy. In art school I learned all the traditional painting rules and techniques and my art was very representational. Over the years, however, I started teaching myself how to break the rules effectively. I studied other loose watercolor painters, experimented with different techniques, and pushed myself to try new things until I developed my current painting style. Of course, I’m always pushing the limits and trying to improve upon my style so that my art remains fresh and relevant.

The two words I hear most often when others are describing my work are ‘moving’ and ‘evocative.’ Those have become some of my favorite words in the English language! If my paintings cause someone to feel something and to see the world in a more beautiful way, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, as an artist, if the friend is interested in art I would certainly take them to the Denver Art Museum where they could experience the fantastic collection as well as any traveling exhibition on display at the time. I’d also tell them a must see is Mirada Art Gallery in downtown Denver, not just because they represent and display my art but because they represent some amazingly talented artists. The art is unique and whimsical and Mirada has been named ‘One of the Top 25 Art Galleries in the United States’ by the American Art Awards. I wouldn’t want them to miss that!

After that, I’d take them on a nice walking tour of Denver to experience the mix of old and new architecture, making sure to go to Union Station and the Brown Palace Hotel. Most likely by this time I’d suggest we visit one of Denver’s many craft breweries and take in some of the best beer they will ever experience!

While they are in town I’d suggest visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens, especially if they were here in summer’s full-bloom or during the winter holiday season. In summer the flowers are spectacular and at the holidays an evening stroll to see the lights is delightful.

Beyond that I’d encourage them to experience more art by taking a day trip to the mountains to visit the Washington Hall Gallery in Central City and maybe take in an opera while there as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For most of their childhoods, our children have known about my dream to be a full-time artist. Once I made the jump, they have been so encouraging and have celebrated every success. We couldn’t be more thankful for their support.

In addition, we are grateful for the Art Students League of Denver, Center for the Arts Evergreen, Foothills Art Center, and Center for the Arts Crested Butte for giving us the opportunity to teach workshops and classes and share my unique style of watercolor painting as we were starting out. We now teach throughout the US but it was those early opportunities within Colorado that launched the teaching arm of our business.

So many arts organizations have invited me to jury their art exhibitions, including the highly esteemed Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition. Every time I jury a show I gain exposure to talented artists which only serves to enhance and improve my own art. I appreciate every opportunity to engage with other artists in this way.

Finally, I am so very grateful for gallery representation at Mirada Fine Art Gallery in Denver, Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids, Michigan, and J Petter Galleries in Douglas, Michigan. Their efforts to display and sell my paintings in their exquisite galleries has made a huge difference in boosting my brand.

Website: https://stevegriggswatercolor.com

Instagram: @stevegriggswatercolor

Facebook: @stevegriggswatercolor

Youtube: Steve Griggs Watercolor