Portrait of Fritz Scholder #2

Dawson's draughtsmanship is commanding, even when viewing the back of this canvas.

John Dawson was born September 12, 1946 in Joliet. Illinois. He attended the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque and Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, Illinois, from which he received his B.F.A. Dawson graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1974 and currently works from his studio in Apache Junction, Arizona.

His work as a professional artist is the focus of his newly published book. John Dawson: Thirty Years (International Graphics).

Highly regarded for his skill as a draughtsman and painter. Dawson's works are exclusively figurative. He often explores the darker side of human psyche, resulting in personal. perceptive paintings that at times shock and overwhelm the viewer.

Dawson has done a number of works in association with Ballet Arizona and The Arizona Opera. His work is found in galleries, private collections and museums throughout the country. In Arizona he exhibits with James Ratliff Gallery in Sedona. He is also currently represented in galleries in California. Oklahoma. and New York. He has had more than sixty one-man exhibitions coast-to-coast. including the Segal Gallery. New York City; Robinson Gallery. Houston. Texas. Elaine Horwitch Galleries. Sante Fe and Scottsdale; Gekas-Nicholas Gallery and Beth O'Donnell Gallery. Tucson.Arizona; the Benjamin Mangel Gallery. Philadelphia. PA; James Ratliff Gallery. Sedona and Tucson; C. G. Rein Gallery. Santa Fe and Scottsdale and A-Gallery. Palm Desert. CA.

His work has been selected for World Artists 1980-1990 and has been featured in such publications as Art News. Artweek. Southwest Art. and Art Voices South. as well as many local newspapers and magazines. Dawson currently resides in Apache Junction, Arizona with his wife. Shirley.

Dawson had a recent exhibition 13 January 2012 at Coda Gallery in Palm Desert, California.

His current and upcoming exhibitions include one titled Revealing Portraits from August 10 - January 12, 2014 held at the Phoenix Airport Museum, Terminal 4, level 3.

A display of his etchings, The Rocking Chair Soldiers, is located in Terminal 4, level 3, outside of Sauce Restaurant.

A radio interview on "Air Time with Phoenix Sky Harbor" will take place on Sunday November 10 at 10:30 am, KPHX 1480 AM radio.

The painting Ingres Deconstructed will be included in a group exhibition held at the Mesa Arts Center from September 13 to January 5, 2014.  This exhibition demonstrates the influence of art history on contemporary artists.

Not Your Usual Portrait is a new Youtube video featuring 40 years of portraiture.

More of Dawson's art can be seen on www.johndawsonart.com