Files
Download Thumbnail Sheet (59.3 MB)
Download 1.Form Study_Grittenhouse_Fall23.png (391 KB)
Download 2.My Favorite Things_Grittenhouse_Fall23.jpg (1.3 MB)
Download 3.Positive_Negative_Grittenhouse_Fall23.jpg (1.1 MB)
Download 4.Timothy_Angle 1_Grittenhouse_Fall23.jpg (815 KB)
Download 5.Timothy_Angle 2_Grittenhouse_Fall23.jpg (973 KB)
Download 6.Camera & Picture_Angle 1_Grittenhouse_Fall23..jpg (919 KB)
Download 7.Serenity_Grittenhouse_Fall23.jpg (1.1 MB)
Download 8.Only in Sleep_Grittenhouse_Angle 2_Fall23.jpg (194 KB)
Download 9.Only in Sleep_Grittenhouse_Angle 1_Fall23.jpg (172 KB)
Download 10.Self Portrait_GRittenhouse_Spring24.jpg (43 KB)
Download 11.Still Life_Grittenhouse_Spring24.jpg (674 KB)
Download 12.Model Study_Grittenhouse_Spring24.jpg (928 KB)
Download 13.Model Study 2_Grittenhouse_Spring24.png (1.3 MB)
Download 14.Only You_Grittenhouse_Spring24.jpg (2.4 MB)
Download 15.And Me_Grittenhouse_Spring24.jpg (3.0 MB)
Download 16.Saena_GRittenhouse_Fall24.jpg (90 KB)
Download 17.Newborn Star_Grittenhouse_Fall25.jpg (1.0 MB)
Download 18.Entwining Galaxies_Grittenhouse_Fall25.jpg (1.9 MB)
Download 19.Teacher_s Nostalgia_Grittenhouse_Fall25.jpg (1.9 MB)
Download 20.Lord of Dreams_Grittenhouse_Fall25.jpg (2.6 MB)
Academic Level at Time of Creation
Senior
Date of Creation
Fall 12-6-2025
Artist Statement
With my work, I focus on the beauty of humans and nature through painting and digital illustration. It emphasizes small moments and details like intricate patterns and subtle expressions with soft, blended art in a wide range of vibrant colors. This exploration is mainly through portraiture and original characters.
By using oil paint and digital illustrations, I focus on creating unique characters; drawing inspiration from mythology, folklore, and cultures from across the globe. Some works take inspiration from traditional Chinese fashion or the symbolism of marigold flowers within Mexican culture. These characters have been with me since I was in middle school and have evolved with my skill and knowledge. The simple brush strokes speak for themselves when highlighting bright reflections of light, or in hair strands and very glossy fabric while the variety of brushes create unique textures. My works also heavily layer with various colors in order to create a sense of depth found in real colors and how they interact with each other.
My goal is to create engaging characters that reflect the fantastical worlds they inhabit; whether in a single work or a stream of new sketches. They represent my interest in fairy tales, mythology, fashion and worldbuilding by taking inspiration from different cultures. A strong influence in these works is manga in the shape, line, and colors for the characters, especially artists like Hirohiko Araki and Yana Toboso. Araki’s eccentric characters and unique fashion design are incredibly inspiring and add a new layer to his visual storytelling. Yana Toboso takes immense time and effort in researching both historical context and visual references in order to bring a grounded accuracy in her fantastical narratives. Finally, the works of Alphonse Mucha have dynamic, bold outlines that highlight the forms of his subjects to contrast the subtle blending of his colors that I wish to emulate.
Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Rebecca Williams; Dr. Mike Martin
Description
My collection is mainly a compilation of 2D works that focus on foundational skill building, then evolving to fantastical world building through original character designs and portraiture. The main mediums are oil paint, charcoal, and digital Illustration; with notable standouts of sculpture work and textiles. These works are a laid out evolution of my skill and conceptual development during my time at Murray State University.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Rittenhouse, Grace L., "Grace Rittenhouse Art399 Portfolio" (2025). Professional Practices (ART 399). 192.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/192