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
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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.