What is Folk Art?

A folk artist is someone typically a self taught artist who had not been formally trained in an art school, but instead, creates art about what is important to him/her in the way it is important to him/her.

Folk art tells something about the person who created it, about their life, their family or culture.  It is rooted in traditions that come from community and culture. Folk artists often use simple artistic techniques, bright colors creating art as a self-expression.  

Heather Galler is a professional artist living in New York over 23 years.

Her style is easily recognized by her use of vibrant colors, thick black outlines and her use of bold pattern.  Subjects you will find Heather painting are landscapes, flowers, animals, pet portraits, human portraits, Frida Kahlo and many more.

Heather says this about her work, “I love color to the point that some people might be turned off by it, but those who love color as I do really GET my work.  I love to be inspired by movies, music, books and of course other art, but the most important element of inspiration is the environment. The Mexican, Italian, and French culture drive me to paint the most.”

Assignment:  Folk Art Self-Portrait

Watch the short youtube video showcasing artist Heather Galler’s portraits.  Heather Galler  When you are drawing in a folk art style, there is less pressure to create a self-portrait that looks exactly like you. It’s more of a caricature or “bitmoji” style. You may use mirrors to observe your facial features and hair, but Remember you are creating a super SIMPLIFIED cartoon version of yourself, it is NOT meant to be realistic.  Facial features may be simplified, exaggerated, with bold black lines to signify the style of Folk Art.

Supplies:

8 ½ x 11 white paper

Pencil

Black Marker (outline all pencil lines)

Supply of your choice to COLOR

You may use Procreate or a digital drawing app