Pacifica Artist Spotlight: Paintings of the Coastside

I have been painting along the San Mateo County Coastside for about 10 years. The rugged beauty of the coast, the dramatic range of landscape from tide pool to mountain, and the unique light that coastal skies reflect on the water are many of the reasons I moved here. Many artists and musicians have been attracted to the area for similar reasons. 

I have painted in oil since 1985, trying to capture some of the space and atmosphere of this wonderful region and California and beyond. I think landscape painting is a great tradition in American Art. From the early days of the Hudson River School to the outdoor painters of today there are many great American landscapes out there. 

In my own work I simply aim to get a bit of the light and color of the seaside. Morning and evening light over the ocean is a particular favorite. Each new piece is a challenge. If it doesn't feel convincing to the viewer, I'm not satisfied and won't present the painting as finished work.

I want people to come away from the work with a feeling of a unique moment in time, particular weather, or the temperature of the day. My hope is that a few of these paintings can find there way into local homes, brighten up  wall, and remind us of what we love about the Coastside.

I work as a scenic artist painting sets for the San Francisco Ballet and Opera. Years ago I taught painting classes at U.C.S.F. and the Sharon Art Studio. I offer workshops in Plein Air Painting from time to time. A preview of my new work can be seen at here.

David Dunn is showing his work at David Dunn's Art Studio, 835 Serena Drive, Pacifica. Call for an appointment: (650) 557-0408.

Follow Pacifica Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook |Sign up for our daily newsletter | Blog for us