About the Artist.

Jessie Dunlop (b.1988) is a Canadian watercolour artist. Originally from England, she now calls the Okanagan home. Dunlop studied Archaeology in London (UK), then moved to Canada for a fresh start. She has been the manager of a heritage venue (S.S. Sicamous Stern Wheeler) and was a part of the Tumbleweed Artist Collective (2015-2020). Dunlop is the founder of the Penticton Artwalk and has organized several art openings and arts events through this organization, with 19 galleries taking part, and more than 600 attendees in 2019. Her art has been published on the cover of the “Crow Toes Quarterly” magazine.

Dunlop now lives in Penticton (B.C. Canada) with her husband, and a rambunctious toddler. She paints in the pockets of time between naps, after bedtime and in amongst the chaos. Dunlop is happiest working quietly in her home studio, sipping tea and watching as the paint begins to take shape.

Artist Statement

My art is inspired by folktales and childhood, featuring characters and beasts in dreamlike surroundings. I paint and draw on paper, mostly postcards.  The paintings are usually muted in greys and blues- I find this helps me focus on the narrative, and the play between light and dark.  I work from found images: piecing together the scenes that my subconscious wants to create, interweaving my own childhood memories. Often the paintings will center on little girls with strange creatures nearby. My work has been described as “sweet, with a hint of something dark.” The children in my art always seem calm, and hopeful. They interact with the spirits without showing fear or emotion. They are unfazed by what is in front of them. Using my own childhood memories, I weave an intricate narrative of curiosity, discovery, and mystery within the paintings' interactions of the children and their companions.

Artist Resume

 

  • ArtWalk Consultant

    Jan - April 2022

    Worked with the Penticton Arts Council and Penticton Art Gallery as they created a Lake to Lake art walk, with 160+ artists across 33 venues, and 5000 unique visits on the day of the event. Also hosted a solo pop-up opening on the day.

    Artist Collective - Tumbleweed Gallery, Penticton BC.

    June 2015 – Jan 2020

    Artist run gallery, with 7 member artists. 2 openings per year, with promotion of gallery via website and social media. Artist interviews, and show posters also.

    Event Organizer - ArtWalk, Penticton.

    November 2017- Until Covid-19 (March 2020)

    Coordinated with 19 local galleries to host an art walk event. Worked in Tandem with the Penticton and District Arts Council. Created initial map, promoted online and with posters. At least 600 attendees.

    Artist Collective - ArtHouse, Penticton BC.

    February 2014 – February 2018

    Member artist at coworking space. Hosted an art lesson, and helped with organising “Works on Paper” show (2015). Looked after social media and website.

  • University College London, UK — Archaeology (BSc)

    1st Class with Honours

    September 2008 – June 2011

    World class Archaeology institute in the heart of London. Focussed on the Palaeolithic (including Neanderthals). Practical excavations in Spain and England. Undertook Internship at the British Museum.

    Foundation Diploma Art and Design – Distinction

    Local college in Somerset, England (Yeovil College).

    September 2006 – June 2007

    One year foundation, with instruction in Life Drawing. Focused on watercolour, printing and etching.

  • SQUARE Mural Project
    Cannery Brewing, Penticton.

    One of 10 artists selected to paint a 4 foot x 4 foot panel. The finished piece (Girl and Wolf with Lace Socks) is on display at Cannery Brewing, and will be up for auction in October 2022.

    Pop Up Solo Show - At Funky Petals Flower Shop, Penticton. Part of the 2022 Art Walk and Ignite the Arts Festival. April 2022.

    Miniature Mural at the Penticton Art Gallery
    May 2018

    One day painting on large wooden panel. Event was to promote the first Arts Rising Festival.


    Live Painting — SOWINS Fundraiser.
    June 2017

    Miniature watercolour paintings for auction during the event.

    Live Painting — Penticton Art Gallery Fundraiser
    August 2018

    Canvas Painting to music, while guests mingled and watched. Auction after for artwork.

    Art Prompt
    January 2016 to January 2018.

    Weekly prompt on social media. Created graphics and ran project for 2 years (104 individual posts).

  • Two Jessies - An Okanagan Pop Up Show at The Bench Market, with artwork by Jessie Dunlop and Jessie Brennan. May 2022.

    Echo – Tumbleweed Collective Show – Nov 2019
    Blossom – Tumbleweed Collective Show – June 2019
    PSTCRD II- St. Germain Gallery – Group Show – Dec 2018
    Gathering – Tumbleweed Collective Show – Nov 2018
    Tall Tales – Tumbleweed Collective Show – June 2018
    Wild- Tumbleweed Collective Show – Nov 2017
    Heads Up – Tumbleweed Collective Show – June 2017
    Drawn – Kelowna Art Gallery – Members Show – Dec 2016
    PSTCRD – St. Germain Gallery – Group Show – Nov 2016
    Crossing Lines – Tumbleweed Collective Show- Nov 2016
    Motive – Tumbleweed Collective Show – June 2016
    Portraits of Imaginary Friends – St. Germain Gallery – Group Show – April 2016
    Eight VS 200 – St. Germain Gallery – Group Show – Nov 2015
    Traction – Tumbleweed Collective Show – Nov 2015
    Works on Paper – Art House Penticton -Collective Show – June 2015

 

Learn More.

 

Click below to watch an interview with Dunlop, as she discusses the themes and topics shown in her art.