“Painting is more than a vocation. My paintings are direct observations, results of a life and heritage spent close to the land, the people, the West. It’s a calling to satisfy a desire to speak in a visual medium, telling stories; all the time looking West. My ability to portray this subject is not without its own struggles. Painting is hard work, but I’m committed to communicating the story in a passionate way, with honesty, and the vitality the subject deserves.”

Born in 1952, David grew up in Lubbock, Texas. After studying Fine Art at Texas Tech University, he was invited to participate in the first Illustrators Workshop, New York, where he studied with Bernie Fuchs, Mark English and Bob Peak. His work was recognized a number of times by the Illustrators Annual National Show during the 1970-1980’s. In 1990, he began to devote his full time to painting professionally. Early on, he had the opportunity to study with western artists Bettina Steinke and James Reynolds. In addition to having work featured in magazine articles including in Cowboys and Indians, Victoria, Dallas Morning News, Western Art Collector, Southwestern Art (cover and feature October 2013), and corporate collections.

Griffin has been invited to participate in these selected national shows; American Art Classic, Texas Art Gallery Collectors Sale, Settler’s West Gallery. Awards include; Oil Painters of America National show (Award of Excellence), Salon International (jury top 50 award), Coors National Western Art Exhibit 2010-2019 (present), National Ranching Heritage Museum, American Impressionist Society, 2015 National Exhibition, Maynard Dixon Invitational 2016 (awarded Silver Thunderbird for best body of work). InSight Gallery Texas Master show 2017-2019, Art Renewal Center 2019 14th ARC Salon (winner of second place; Landscape category and also an Honorable Mention). In addition, Griffin was awarded the opportunity to participate in a group show at American Legacy Fine Art Gallery in 2020.

David Griffin lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife Lorna and their three children, Ryan, Elizabeth, and Michael.