Burl J. Dawson Jr. was born in 1953 in Providence, Rhode Island.
He attended Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Massachusetts, majoring in painting, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1976. Burl continued his education at Southeastern Massachusetts University where he earned his Master's Degree in Art Education in 1986. Prior to retiring in 2018 Burl taught art to middle and high school students 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 the South County coastline in all seasons.

Artist's Statement
“I am intrigued by the transformation of a bare canvas, a two-dimensional plane, into the illusion of three-dimensional space using linear and atmospheric perspective. Up close my work appears somewhat abstract. When viewed from a distance, the images become coherent, details become apparent. It's primarily design elements and color that interest me. The first impression of what I see of the scene relates to me emotionally. I take hold of the emotion until it becomes part of my being. I start with composition, creating structure by balancing the various weight of shapes, then the study of form and values. Color comes next for charm, finishing with brushwork. Small studies are painted on location and used for contemplating large studio pieces. My most valued color contrasts are simultaneous contrast and contrast of extension.”

Thanks for checking out my site.
Burl