Painter born in Lawrence, KS on August 19, 1866. Griffith studied art at Washington University in St. Louis and in 1890 furthered his art studies in Paris at Académie Julian under Constant and Lefebvre. Returning to his native state, he taught art for over 20 years at Kansas University. In 1918 he was on a sabbatical leave when he visited his old friend and former classmate Benjamin C. Brown in Laguna Beach. Two years later he moved to Laguna Beach where he became an influential member of the art colony and served as president of the local art association. Before moving to California, he painted many portraits, but soon turned his attention to the surrounding landscape. Working in oil and pastel, Griffith also painted many beach scenes and marines.

Exhibited: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1928; California State Fair, 1930; Golden Gate International Exposition, 1939; Laguna Beach Art Association annuals.

Awards: gold medal, St. Louis, 1889; first prize, Orange County Fair, 1928; first prize, California Artists show, Santa Cruz, 1929; second prize, California Art club, 1934; first prize, Ebell Club (Los Angeles), 1936; Honorable mention, Oakland Art Gallery, 1936

Works held: Laguna Museum of Art; Lawrence (Kansas) Jr. High School; Lyon County College, Topeka, KS; Neally Library, Santa Ana College; Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS; State Historical Society, Topeka, KS; State Teachers College, Emporia, KS; Thayer Museum, Lawrence, KS; California High Schools of Burbank, Corona, Laguna Beach, Long Beach and Santa Ana; YMCA, Santa Ana; University Club, San Diego.

(Source: Hughes, Edan Milton, "Artists in California: 1786-1940," San Francisco: Hughes Publishing Company, 1989.)