Burl Dawson
Maker Monday - March 2025
About the Artist
Name: Burl Dawson
Medium: oils and watercolors
Years creating: since 1976
SCAA member: nearly 30 years!
Based in: Green Hill, RI
Website: burldawson.com
Instagram: @burldawson
Click an image to view slideshow
Burl has been involved with SCAA for nearly 30 years. He rents a studio on the third floor of the Helme House where he works for hours on end painting and drawing. Burl helps out a lot as a volunteer, shows his work in our exhibits, and teaches classes here each quarter. Outside of SCAA, Burl is represented by Charlestown Gallery and Black Duck Gallery. Before retiring in 2018, Burl taught Art to grades K- 12 in
North Smithfield, Rhode Island Public Schools for 29 years, having earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Master's Degree in Art Education. Since 1983 Burl and his family have resided
in the Green Hill Beach area of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. His paintings capture all seasons especially those of the South County coastline. - SCAA
Where are you from, and what do you make?
I live in the Green Hill area of South Kingstown. I paint with oils and watercolors of the landscape/ seascape within my area.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
I've been seriously pursuing art since I graduated from the Swain School of Design in 76' with a Painting degree while minoring in Design and with a Masters degree in Art Ed from UMass Dartmouth.
What inspires you to create?
Many things inspire me to create which would include The Divine spirit, studying nature, viewing works in museums, teaching, winning awards, selling my work and practice.
Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
Without a doubt my parents and a childhood musician friend of mine and his religious mother had the most effect on me.
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
Camille Corot's design sense has changed my life by opening my eyes for seeing spatial movement.
As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
The camaraderie of fellow artists and the availability of studio space.