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, his wife Cheryl and their son Kyle 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

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