John Lally

A Midnight Tryst

Vengeance on the Sound

Erin, 2016

Holiday Pay

Timothy's Offer

oil on canvas

I was born in Atlanta, Ga. in i948 and have always lived in the South. The rich tradition of storytelling is in my blood and it is impossible to ignore its influence on my narrative paintings.I am the director of my own tale and must create the characters, the setting, and the poetic tensions implied between the characters and the viewer. My paintings are done on canvas or museum board in a realistic manner with much attention to detail. I have created a technique of layering oil paints and varnish that give the surface a unique technical aspect, one that visually reflects the many levels at which the narrative can be interpreted. The paintings begin with the seed of an idea and a strong fascination and empathy for the central character. One can rely on conscious judgements concerning composition, whether to paint the figure nude or elaborately costumed ,and the use of one's own personal symbols and icons. I believe that only when the artist moves into uncertain territory and listens to her own private language, can she move beyond mere painting. Artist Statement C.Dawn Davis

This painting was published as the cover for An Unlikely Attraction by Melinda McRae, Signet Regency Romance, Signet Books, 1991. Illustration of a young couple. Signed lower r...

Here and There is a stunning oil painting on linen of a seated figure in a room. This piece is in Leigh Cunningham's signature style of blurry abstracted realism.