Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Winter.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
The thought of painting never crossed my mind until I visited the art galleries located in Santa Fe, NM while on vacation. So, in 2005, while my mom and I meandered through the Fine Art Galleries along Canyon Road in Santa Fe, NM, I increasingly became enthralled and intrigued by the paintings…especially the abstract paintings. And, surprisingly, I found myself wanting to try my hand at painting.
Upon returning to Austin, TX, I found myself purchasing canvases, acrylic paints, mediums, brushes, etc. and began experimenting. I lived a chaotic life maintaining a home, organizing my families’ activities, volunteering, checking off endless “to-do” lists and organizing other’s lives. Painting was a hobby and an escape from all that.
Due to a friend’s encouragement, I entered a juried art contest and won third place…my first juried event! That led to my art being showcased with the Austin Art Garage where I continue to display and sell my paintings. Upon encouragement from others, I pursued opportunities to display my work. During this same time frame, my life was also transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to returning to work, divorce and becoming a single parent. My first painting to sell took place at a local coffeehouse one month before my divorce was final.
That was in 2008, and since then I have continued showing my work in various Austin, TX locations. I enjoy working alongside Interior Designers and private collectors providing commissioned artwork to compliment commercial spaces and client’s living spaces.
In October of 2012, two homes featuring my artwork were televised on two separate HGTV’s Property Brothers “Buying and Selling” episodes. In 2016, I held my first solo exhibition “Uncovering The Layers” with The SEAD Gallery in Bryan, TX. In 2017, an additional painting was featured on HGTV’s “House Hunter’s Renovation” program. Other exhibitions have included several EAST and WEST Studio Tours, a featured painting during an Austin Parade of Home Tour and additional commission work with private collectors. More recently, several paintings were available as framed canvas prints with Anthropologie.com.
It’s been an exciting and unexpected journey, and I look forward to discovering what lies ahead for 2019!
Please tell us about your art.
My love of color, layers, and texture are reflected in my paintings. During the creative process, I especially enjoy using acrylics, palette knives and my intuition to create paintings with a balanced sense of color, motion, and patterns. Often times, my paintings explore the interactions between bold and muted colors, other times creating a sense of depth through a variation of monochromatic color selections.
I create art as a way to relax, to share with others my interest in color and texture and to create loose impressions of the landscapes that I’ve either witnessed or envisioned using my imagination. I hope others find my work to be calming or causing one to reflect on their own travels, memories, and journeys. I hope others discover for themselves what they see in my paintings too.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I recommend networking with other artists in order to locate additional resources (supplies, upcoming shows, etc.) not only for advice on economical ways to pursue your art but also for support as you continue with your artwork.
Setting goals that are obtainable, yet a bit out of your comfort zone is important whether it’s to create more artwork or to sell more paintings. Goals keep us focused on moving forward, stretching our abilities and a sense of accomplishment which is especially important when we face challenges.
While creating artwork in itself may not alleviate financial concerns, it is important to create artwork if this is a passion. It’s who you are as a person and serves as a reminder as to what is important to you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I currently show my work with the following locations:
Austin Art Garage Gallery located in Austin, TX (https://austinartgarage.com/
Skyline Art Editions (https://www.
SEAD Gallery and Bookshop located in Bryan, TX/group show March 21, 2019 – April 17, 2019 (http://www.seadgallery.com)
Wonderwall Studio (https://wonderwallstudio.com/
I also collaborate with interior designers and individuals to create commissioned artwork for homes and businesses. Contact me for more details!
Website: www.dawnwinter.net
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dawnwinter.net
- Phone: 512-923-1527
- Email: dawnwinterart@gmail.com
- Instagram: dawnwinterart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnwinterart/
- Twitter: dawnwinterart
- Other: https://austinartgarage.com/collections/dawn-winter
Image Credit:
Dawn Winter
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
