Visual Art – Washington, D.C.
www.grindstonegalleries.com
www.grindstoneuniversal.com
DAREL DAWSON emerged upon the art
scene with a gift for capturing the essence of
organic emotion in his subjects. Dawson’s
natural talent brings life to the notion of art
with intention, and his work is an expression of
an immense desire to guide his audience to
examine through observation rather than
through expectation. With an impressive light,
shadow, and color combination, Dawson
transposes the emotion of an absent subject to
the one he chooses to objectify. He introduces
a unique approach and talent into the world of
art defined by a style that challenges the
observer with both his broad spectrum of
images and limitless energy.
Whether using acrylic, charcoal, pen, ink,
or prismacolor pencils, Dawson’s work exudes
meticulous attention to balance and subtle
detail. Walking the edge of both surrealistic and
realistic expression, he funnels his vision to
transcend mere imagery and tap into his
observer’s subconscious with striking optical
illusions. The raw mastery of his skill is evident
throughout his mystically versatile collection of
paintings that individually defy traditional
boundaries and collectively share a similar
expression of intensity.
Hailing from Oakland, California, Dawson
attributes his roots in the Bay Area to inciting
his appreciation for nature and culture that is
pervasive in his work. His artwork, which often
reflects a retrospective journal of
self-exploration, holds several hidden mean-
ings that lure viewers to explore also the
mystery within themselves. Befittingly describ-
ing himself as introspective, observant,
measured and analytical, it is no surprise that
he graduated with honors from Hampton
University (Virginia) as a Biology pre-med
major, with an interest in psychiatry. Fascinated
by the infinite potential of the human mind
and its relation to behavior, Dawson realized his
knack for painting while undertaking psychop-
harmacological research at Johns Hopkins
University