Meet Dawn Calhoun | Contemporary Landscape Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Calhoun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’ve been creatively gifted my whole life but I didn’t become a professional artist until 2020.
I was going through the hardest time of my life when God called me back to the arts. I didn’t think I had time for a “hobby” a few years later I was painting full time. God has been behind every open door.
I believe purpose is essential to artistic success. I paint from dark places, anxious places, joyful places, all deeply authentic. I can’t think about whether it will sell, or whether Instagram will like it, I have to paint because I’m called to paint. I must paint. My hope is that it will connect with the right person and the artistic conduit will be complete.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is representational but moves towards abstraction at times. I paint what I feel, my art is deeply expressive and textural. People often tell me that my art is emotive. It brings joy, peace and even tears. I’d like to think that’s a God thing. I show up and do my part, He accomplishes His purpose through it. My works feel like messages in a bottle, I send them out knowing they will find their person.
Definitely not easy to get here, and still isn’t easy! Perseverance is essential! I have to believe in what I’m doing. I have to be ok with crappy paintings sometimes. I have to keep showing up and doing the work. When I do that, the doors open. Maybe not wide but far enough to get my foot in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Grant Park! I’d probably take my friends to the zoo then room around the little shops and galleries nearby and finish up with dinner at Dakota Blue.

The next day we’d bike or walk Cochran Shoals and finish the day with a Braves game.

Finally, we’d have to attend a Marietta Square Art Walk and eat at Mac’s Chop House or Spring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My goodness, so many people have supported me, especially in the beginning. Friends and family purchased paintings and shared social media post. My husband, Brennan, has always been a big supporter and has turned into quite the art snob over the years! 😄
Professionally, I have to thank the Marietta Square Artisan Market for creating a space for emerging artist and Robert and Holly Tuchman of Robert Kent Galleries for giving me a chance and promoting my art.

Website: https://www.dawncalhoundesigns.com

Instagram: Dawncalhoundesigns

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