Compositionally, there is a visual tension that occurs between forms as it creates space or depth in a painting. This tension has a psychological effect on our subconscious. Using somewhat of an impressionistic approach to painting I focus on the figure, landscape and its imagery. My intention is to have you, the viewer, be drawn into my work and hope that you feel something within you just as I did when I was painting it. 

 

Out of all the art elements, color is my favorite. In addition to the linear perspective, I am trying to create atmospheric perspective through the use of color harmony, brushwork and the application of paint. It is basically, the essence of the day I am trying to capture and create in my paintings. If I can get you to feel emotionally, that you are part of my paintings then, I think I’m onto something. 

 

Thanks for checking out my site. 

 

Burl

 

Biography

 

Burl J. Dawson Jr. was born in 1953 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Graduate of Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Massachusetts,

majoring in painting, with a minor in design,

obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1976.

Burl returned to school at Southeastern Massachusetts University,

earning a Master's Degree in Art Education in 1986.

Before retiring in 2018, Burl taught Art to grades K- 12

in North Smithfield Public Schools for 29 years.

Burl and his family reside in the Green Hill Beach area

of South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Burl's paintings capture Rhode Island

and especially South County coastline in all seasons.

 

 

Artist’s Statement

“Compositionally, there is a visual tension that occurs between forms as it creates space or depth in a painting. This tension has a psychological effect on our subconscious. Using somewhat of an impressionistic approach to painting I focus on the figure, landscape and its imagery. My intention is to have you, the viewer, be drawn into my work and hope that you feel something within you just as I did as I was painting it. Out of all the art elements, color is my favorite. In addition to the linear perspective, I am trying to create atmospheric perspective through the use of color harmony, brushwork and the application of paint. It is basically, the essence of the day I am trying to capture and create in my paintings. If I can get you to feel emotionally, that you are part of my paintings then, I think I’m onto something.”

 

Website

www.BurlDawson.com

 

Gallery Representation

Charlestown Gallery - 5000 South County Trail, Charlestown, RI – 1996 – Present

Black Duck Gallery – 25 Broad St, Westerly, RI – 2012 - Present

 

Invitational & Juried Exhibitions

South County Art Assoc. Kingston, RI – Annually 1992 - Present

Newport Art Museum – Wet Paint Event & Auction 2018

Warwick Museum of Art, Warwick, RI – Annual Juried- Rhode Island Open (2008, 2006, 2003, 2000, ’99, ’97)

Spring Bull Gallery, Newport, RI – “Fabulous Fakes…” (2018, 2015, 2004, 2000),” Seascapes…” (2000)

Dryden Galleries Ltd, Providence, RI – (2012, 2002, 1999)

Rhode Island Art Education Assoc. - Annual Juried Shows (1987 – 1999)

Rockport Board of Trade, Rockport MA - Annual Juried - Gallery Walk, (1988)

Office of Senator John H Chafee, Washington DC - ART & SOUL (1982, ’80)

Roger Williams College, Bristol RI – Juried Exhibition (1975)

 

Awards/Honors

South County Art Association 2023 – 1st Place Award

South County Art Association, 2022 – Honorable Mention

20th Annual Rhode Island Open, 2006 – 2nd Place Award

11th Annual Rhode Island Open, 1997 – 1st Place Award

Rhode Island Art Teacher’s Association, 1994 – 1st Place Award, 1992 – 2nd Place Award

1991 – 6th Place Award, 1988 – 2nd Place Award, 1987 – 3rd Place Award

Burrillville Outdoor Art Festival, 1975 – 1st Place Award

Roger Williams College, 1975 – 2nd Place Award

Juried/lnvitational Exhibitions

Warwick Museum of Art, Warwick, RI- Annual Turled-Rhode Island Open (2006, 2003, 2000, '99, '97)

Spring Bull Gallery, Newport, RI - II FabulousFakes..." (2000)," Seascapes..." (2000)

Dryden Galleries Ltd, Providence, RI-(2002,1999)

Rhode Island Art Education Assoc. -AnnualTurledShows(1987-1999)

South County Art Assoc. Kingston, RI- "TwobyThreebyNine",(1994)

"Art from the Workshops" (1993), Open Show (1992)

Rockport Board of Trade, Rockport MA -AnnualTurled-GalleryWalk,(1988)

Office of Senator John H Chafee, Washington DC -ART &SOUL(1982,'80)

Roger Williams College, Bristol RI- TurledExhibition(1975)

 

Awards/Honors

20thAnnual Rhode Island Open, 2006 - 2ndPlace Award

11thAnnual Rhode Island Open, 1997 _1st PlaceAward

Rhode Island Art Teacher's Association, 1994 _1st PlaceAward, 1992 - 2ndPlaceAward

1991 - 6'hPlaceAward, 1988 - 2ndPlaceAward, 1987 - 3mPlaceAward

Burrillville Outdoor Art Festival, 1975 _1st PlaceAward

Roger Williams College, 1975 - 2nd Place Award