Artist Statement:
What do I paint? Simply, still life and figurative works...the occasional landscape.
After decades of painting daily, subject matter has become less important and certainly no issue; expression of my observations has become most significant.
When asked what inspires me, that's easy! I find inspiration around every corner – on every well travelled path. My true source of inspiration nourishes me: my spirituality, my loving family, endless optimism, love of nature and mankind.
These threads make up the fabric of my life; are integral to who I am; are now part of my being; are what breathe life into my work. My inspiration springs from here.
How do I explain the mere thought of painting a little red round apple from life can become one of the most exhilarating experiences? I can't, it’s just such a profound feeling.
The idea of joyously placing paint onto a canvas, sculpting one luscious brushstroke at a time, to reveal such exquisite, simple beauty, is enough to take my breath away and make my heart skip a beat.
Exploring endless possibilities in a language of brushstrokes; every mark my own; turning a concept into reality and savouring the moment; this is the pure joy of painting - this is what I am all about.
Bobbi Dunlop
June, 2008
Decades of pursuing the language of brushstrokes has channeled Bobbi Dunlop’s unique inner vision, experience and life wisdom into an avenue for expressing her truest reactions on canvas. Dunlop considers herself a ‘professional observer of life’; applying paint to canvas as the vehicle through which she most naturally communicates her observations and insights.
Challenge, personal growth, the pursuit of greater knowledge and especially, the Glory of her Creator, have always been the main drivers of Bobbi Dunlop’s work.
In a traditional approach which draws upon many years of experience, Dunlop’s inspiration often begins with a deep affinity for a subject. From there a concept begins to evolve. Painting almost entirely from life, the subject could be spontaneous, certainly simple and sometimes personal. She approaches each painting on its own merit and not by formula, but based upon her innate response to her subject and what she sees. This sensitivity and pure joy of painting, regardless of subject, results in a beautiful synergy, often evoking a symbolic meaning or undertone.
Always, the intent is to consider the aesthetic quality of the painting and to honor beauty in its message.
It is said that Bobbi Dunlop’s paintings “emanate peacefulness, simplicity, hope and most of all, love. It is not panoramic beauty that she portrays, not vast themes and grand narratives, but rather the smaller, microcosmic world of the familiar and the personal. Dunlop invites the viewer to consider the great and beautiful world encased in ordinary things”. (Art Gallery News, 2005)
Bobbi Dunlop: “The Masters have set the bar for all artists who follow in their wake. This is the standard to which I measure myself constantly. It’s a lifelong pursuit and one which will never cease to give me purpose and great satisfaction.”
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BIOGRAPHY
BOBBI DUNLOP
Bobbi Dunlop was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1956, the youngest of five energetic children. Fondest among her childhood recollections are the intoxicating smell of crayons and the endless supply of coloring books and paper, which marked the loving encouragement her parents showed for their child’s natural inclination. By the age of 13, her parents had introduced her to the teacher who would acquaint her with oil painting.
From these surroundings of confidence and security, Bobbi Dunlop set out on the road to self-fulfillment as an artist by examining painting methods/techniques; reading voraciously; exploring color, canvas and paper extensively in both watercolor and oil; becoming well versed in all.
Starting with her first show of watercolors in 1981, the next 15 years saw Dunlop developing a successful career as an acclaimed watercolorist, expanding her following in galleries and shows.
Dunlop began her foray into teaching in 1994 and matured that side of her artist life to become a much in demand instructor in watercolor and oil, teaching workshops from her Calgary studio.
Dunlop eventually determined that her heart was in oil painting...still life and figurative. In 1997 she said goodbye to watercolors and reinvolved herself in the world that had captured her heart as a young girl.
Today, more than a decade later, Dunlop has not looked back. In a style and flavor steeped in the critical measure and influence of the old masters, yet with a signature so remarkably and uniquely her own, she consistently manages to strike a personal chord with all who view her work.
Dunlop resides in Calgary, Alberta where she paints from life, surrounded by memorabilia and works-in-progress, in her beautiful, expansive north-lit studio.
Bobbi Dunlop’s work is enjoyed in numerous corporate and private collections in Canada, the U.S and England.
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Listed in "Who's Who In The OPA"
- Fine Art Connoisseur, March/April, 2008 issue
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My Studio.....
Visitors to my studio will note that there is usually something new on my easel. The reason? I love to begin paintings...turning abstract concepts into reality with pieces of paint and a large brush is what I love to do the most. Plus, I like to layer on the paint, putting luscious wet paint over dry, exciting possibilities. For these reasons, I tend to work on several works at a time....it makes my life interesting.
Below is a photo of my studio, the place that I spend hour after hour in a pursuit that I love. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't reflect on how lucky I am, and thankful to be doing what I love so much.
On September 19th and 20th, 2009 I will be resuming my teaching schedule with regular workshops. Workshops themes will be painting the still life in oil, from life to painting the figure/portrait from life. All workshops will be held in my studio and students will paint from life under the beautiful north-lit windows.
To learn more about my workshop dates, please click on the 'Workshop' link on this website ... or email me at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com
Thanks for visiting!
