American
Lives and works in Minneapolis, Minnesota
geisingerstudio.com

Jim Geisinger’s paintings pulse with the spirit of childhood—raw imagination, endless afternoons, and the pure joy of discovery. Born in suburban Minneapolis (Crystal), Geisinger grew up in the heart of a bustling household in Rochester, Minnesota, one of nine siblings. His earliest memories are painted with the vibrant hues of untamed play: grassy yards worn thin by neighborhood escapades, the metallic clatter of Tonka trucks, wild games of hide and seek, and adventures — blissfully unsupervised — that stitched the fabric of his boyhood.

Geisinger’s affinity for art revealed itself in a flash of insight in the fourth grade. Tasked with drawing a scene from Holland, he became transfixed by the play of light and form. As he was accurately drawing, not the objects, but their shadows, he looked up from his drawing and the entire class had gathered around his desk — teacher included.

Despite early accolades in grammar school, Geisinger’s path from prodigious student to recognized artist was anything but conventional. He jokes about “proudly” earning an F in art in college before life swept him in other directions. Early marriage and the demands of raising a family sent Geisinger into careers as an insurance agent and later a Realtor.

At age 43, asked by his son what he wanted for Christmas, Geisinger replied, “Paints. I think I can paint.” Restlessly curious, Geisinger educated himself through voracious reading, workshops across the U.S. and Mexico, and studies with celebrated artists. He honed his plein air technique with Joe Paquette, captured the nuances of portrait and still life with Jeff Hurinenko, and immersed himself in classical traditions at Atelier Lack.

But technical proficiency was only part of his journey. As a regular exhibitor—even at the Minnesota State Fair—Geisinger became a student of his audience, closely observing their reactions, striving to create images that compelled viewers from across the room, told a story at arms length, and delighted those who stepped near with playful textures and brushwork.

This evolving process defines the emotional resonance and dynamic appeal of his paintings. Critics and admirers alike often compare him to a modern-day Norman Rockwell, a comparison that both honors and aligns with his mission: to remind us of the sheer ecstasy of childhood—a world alive with dirt, wonder, and the pulse of adventure.

A fixture in Minnesota’s art community, Geisinger currently serves as President of the Minnesota Artist Association, teaches at Minnetonka Center for the Arts, and is an active member in organizations including the American Impressionists Association, Hopkins Arts Center, and White Bear Center for the Arts.

His work has garnered the Minnesota Figurative Collaborative Award at the State Fair, multiple Awards of Excellence and People’s Choice accolades at Minnesota Artists Association shows, and repeated honors at the Plymouth Primavera, including the Primavera Award. His influences read as a roll-call of legendary painters and teachers: Joe Paquet, Jeff Hurinenko, Linda Grewy, Huihan Lui, and titans like John Singer Sargent and Norman Rockwell, as well as impressionists from around the globe.

Above all, Geisinger’s art reflects his belief in the transformative power of joy. He sees painting as a vital act — a reminder of what is good and exciting in a complex world, a way to reconnect us to innocence and shared adventure. When he isn’t painting, he treasures time with his grandkids, who often find themselves both muses and partners in new creative escapades.

Jim Geisinger has carved out a singular niche in the contemporary art landscape. Through his luminous canvases, he invites viewers on an exuberant return to a world where every day was an open invitation to adventure, and every shadow held a story.

Honors and Awards
1997 first artist ever to be awarded the license to do a painting of Fallingwater® for reproduction
1998 One Man show in Maple Grove, MN
2000 One man show in Maple Grove, MN
2003 One Man Show in Plymouth, MN
2005 One Man Show in Plymouth, MN
2012 One Man Show in Plymouth, MN
2015 Small group show Hopkins, MN
2012 acceptance into the Fine arts exhibition at Minnesota State Fair
2013 Award of Excellence Minnesota Artists Spring Exhibition 
2013 Award of Excellence Minnesota Artists Fall Exhibition 
2014 Merit Award Minnesota Artists Association Fall Exhibition
2014 Award of Excellence Minnesota Artists Fall Exhibition 
2014 Primavera Award, Plymouth Primavera
2015 People’s Choice, Plymouth Primavera
2016 Acceptance into the MN State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition
2017 Award of Excellence Plymouth Primavera
2018 Acceptance into the MN State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition
2018 Minnesota Figure Study Collaborative Award
2019 People’s Choice Plymouth Primavera
2020 Award of Excellence Minnesota Artists Association Fall Show
2021 Award of Excellence Minnesota Artists Spring Exhibition 
2023 Merit Award Minnesota Artists Fall Exhibition 
2024 Primavera Award, Plymouth Primavera
2025 Award of Excellence, Plymouth Primavera
2025 People’s Choice, Plymouth Primavera
2025 Award of Excellence, Minnesota Artists Association Juried Spring Exhibition

Fallingwater® is a famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is now owned and preserved as a museum by The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Jim is currently the president of the Minnesota Artists Association, an organization formed in 1937 to help artists in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Jim teaches oil and acrylic painting at Minnetonka Center for the Arts.