Julie Dunn, an award winning fine artist whose unique style, known as “Tempera Batik” painting on paper, has been selected as the 2014 Indian Wells Arts Festival poster artist.
Titled “Indian Wells,” the landscape artwork was created especially for this year’s festival.
The original painting was unveiled this week at the Indian Wells City Council marking the 12th annual Indian Wells Arts Festival, April 4-6, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Commemorative prints, made from the original, will be for sale both online and at the festival.
“The ‘Indian Wells’ painting is a composite of places,” says Dunn. “The view looking at the mountain range is visible from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, as well as the rocks, desert vegetation, and beautiful flowering cactus on Miles Ave. I wanted the image to reflect the beauty of the natural desert alongside the man-made enhancements, that is, settled areas with colorful landscaping.”
Dunn’s technique is characterized by a vivid use of color, two-dimensional textural surface and compelling imagery. The tempera batik technique begins with a pencil line drawing that is then drawn over with a permanent marker pen.
Next, the artist paints inside the marked lines with layers of tempera paint. Once dry, the piece is entirely inked with waterproof India ink, allowed to dry again, and is then carefully rinsed with water. After dry-mounting, the painting is further detailed with tempera paint, then spayed with workable fixative and clear acrylic to protect the finished surface.
“Julie’s compelling desert landscape artwork and complex technique were a beautiful fit for this year’s poster art,” says Dianne Funk, Indian Wells Arts Festival producer. “Many of our festival attendees have enjoyed and purchased her work over the years. We are delighted that she chose to create a special piece just for our festival.”
“The honor of being chosen as the poster artist was immense for me!” says Dunn. “I was thrilled to be selected, and have strived to create a beautiful image of Indian Wells for the festival! My level of excitement is definitely increased, as I'm hoping that many people will be inspired to visit my booth, learn more about my technique, enjoy my work, and hopefully go home with something special from me! I'm planning to have a beautiful space filled with many original paintings and limited edition fine art prints, depicting the desert, my home area of the Central Coast, endangered species, and some gorgeous flowers!”
Dunn has been showing at the festival since 2007; this is her eighth consecutive year. She has won several awards for her paintings, including two first, one second, and two third place awards in her category of 2-D multimedia at the Indian Wells Arts Festival. Collectors of her work are attracted to both the abstract and representational qualities found in her paintings.
"My paintings are a personal reflection of the world around me," she says. "I enjoy creating works of art that are inspirational and uplifting. In an era filled with high technology, stress, and an endless stream of ‘bad news,’ I like to draw attention to the beauty which is often overlooked, in our fast-paced, modern lifestyle.
Festival tickets are $12 for adults with children under 12 admitted for free. Parking is free and valet is available.
For advance tickets, commemorative prints or further information, visit www.indianwellsartsfestival.com or call 760-346-0042.