April Dawes

“I create figurative oil paintings and drawings that focus on themes of identity and connection.”

BIOGRAPHY

April Dawes graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1999, receiving a BFA with a double emphasis in Graphic Design and Oil Painting. Following graduation, she spent several years working as a webgraphics designer for a technologies company and as a graphic designer for a marketing and advertising firm in Oklahoma City. Afterwards, she worked as a freelance graphic designer and commission artist until the birth of her first child in 2003. As with everything April is passionate about, she immersed herself into the role of raising and caring for her children, and eventually homeschooling all 3 of them. Although art was not her primary concentration during this time, it still remained a driving force in her life; painting and drawing when time would allow. In 2016, after a nearly 13 year break from consistant art making, April began to shift her primary focus from caregiving to creating. She has since been actively pursuing her art career with a renewed sense of passion and purpose. In 2017, April had her first solo exhibition at S.P.Q.R. Arts Space in Colorado Springs. Since, she has had 3 additional solo shows and has participated in multiple group exhibitions in both Colorado and Oklahoma. Following a move from Colorado in 2019, April and her family now live in Oklahoma where she was born and raised. Currently a full-time studio artist, April is continuously striving to learn, improve technique and strengthen her artistic voice. When not in her studio, April enjoys teaching, spending time with her family on their farm, hiking and camping.

April creates figurative oil paintings that focus on themes of identity and connection relating to the human condition. Through the expressive and emotive nature of the human form, she explores the impact of key life experiences, society and community on the shaping of personal idenities, with the aim of creating an emotional connection with viewer.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

How are your background and life experiences connected to your art?

My artwork is a direct expression of and reaction to my life.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

John Singer Sargent, as well as contemporary figurative artists Mustafa Ozel, Cristina Troufa, Johan Barrios, Mia Bergeron, and Nicholas Uribe to name a few.

How have you developed your artist career?

In addition to my BFA, I continue to push myself to learn new techniques through workshops and classes. I currently show my work through galleries and enter competitions on occasion.

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

A sense of shared human emotion.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

No, however I feel that it is nearly impossible for our current social and political climate to not have some influence or effect on the work I create.

Which current art world trends are you following?

The revival of Figurative Art in the global art market.

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery?

I appreciate the quality and diversity of artwork that 1515 Lincoln Gallery has to offer, and the broad range of collectors that the gallery appeals to.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

The diverse mix of local, national, and international artists makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries in the area.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through the lens of my own life and the expressive nature of the human face and figure, my work examines the paramount role which key life events, society and community play in the shaping of personal idenities and self-preception. I aim to create figurative oil paintings and drawings that focus on themes of identity and connection relating to the human condition.