Renowned Bucks County artist Dot Bunn opens major figurative painting exhibit

September will see the return of a major exhibition of figurative art by nationally acclaimed artist Dot Bunn. Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art located in New Hope will host this exhibition when it returns from the state capitol. During August, 23 oil paintings of figurative art were part of an invitational exhibit at the Art Association of Harrisburg. The September display in New Hope will feature four award winning paintings as well as many previously unseen works before the Harrisburg show. They will be exhibited Sept. 10 to 30 in the gallery's Dutch Room.

Dot Bunn had this to say about her increasing interest in painting people. “Over the last five years I have gradually taken a greater interest in depicting the figure. I find my subjects unexpectedly. A moment encounter with an interesting stranger in a restaurant may become my next painting. My favorite subjects are people doing things they love or working at their jobs. Good painting connects with people on a personal level that taps into their sense of life. One of my most successful paintings, “The Seamstress” seemed to hit that cord. During its exhibition as the first place winner in painting in 2008 at Phillips Mill Open Juried Show there were many viewers that felt that connection. I find that fact motivating and affirming. I am continually searching for my next seamstress.”

Dot states, “Surely the gift of being creative is a wonderful thing but talent comes from hard work and discipline. The final painting that leaves my easel has a carefully designed structure that guides my choices throughout the process.

"Great design is my starting point and many of my paintings had numerous drawings done before the brush touched the surface. We fool ourselves if we think that it is possible to produce meaningful work without learning the skills and lessons of the masters. Although I have my favorites when it comes to subject matter, I believe that all things can be made beautiful if your goal is to apply the principles of composition and the management of color to your work. It is not objects that I strive to paint but the essence of light that surrounds and washes over them.”