Dooney Potter
Bio/About
Dooney is a visual artist residing in Wilton Manors, Florida, currently exploring both abstract themes that combine mathematics with emotional symbolism as well as classical themes like the human figure, and myths in the context of the urban world. He also offers portraiture for both people and pets, murals, and customized artwork to fit specific needs and visions.
Born in the temperate yet tropical weather of Medellín, Colombia, Dooney’s perception involves a visual affinity for bright colors, light, and shadow that he uses as part of his artistic language. Although mostly self-taught, his training includes four years of fine art in high school, over four years under the tutelage and guidance of Russian impressionist Irina Kirienko Milton in the Pacific Northwest, and a lifetime of self-discovery through art.
Dooney’s medium of choice is oil because of its body, fluidity, and blending capabilities, which allow for dramatic and energetic impasto works as well as more controlled and detailed pieces using glazed layers and soft blending. However, depending on need and inspiration, he also works with acrylics, ink, charcoal, and colored pencils.
Tell us more about your work:
I work mainly in oil, which I find fluid, flexible, and fun. Thematically, one of my passions is the human figure in all its shapes and forms, either in isolation as one would find religious icons or in a setting that echoes and amplifies the feelings encapsulated in the figure’s pose or expression. Stylistically, I look for the juxtaposition of light and shadow to create both drama and meaning, or the combination of different feels of light (e.g.; warm versus cool) to accentuate the message or emotion I want to convey. In addition to the human figure, I love exploring urban and natural environments as works in themselves or as studies for future settings for my figurative work. Finally, I work on commissions featuring both people and pets, trying to imbue them with the energy of my non-commission work to take the resulting works beyond the likeness of the subject.
What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon?
I had to put off setting up my social media, website, and online store. During the pandemic, I was still pursuing private tutoring as my main source of income and the demand became too high as my tutees had to transition to virtual sessions. Having come out of that period of artistic hibernation, I am now taking the steps to create a social media presence and start getting involved with the artistic community, especially that of Wilton Manors as they resonate with my goals and expectations of myself as an artist.
What does your art future hold for you?
The future for me means working on several series that have been inhabiting the creative realm of my mind and developing strong and cohesive concepts. I would like to express emotions and tell stories that have an impact on people, that triggers the entire gamut of feelings from joy to sadness, from comfort to anger. Having a defined voice in my artwork is definitely a work in progress, and a part of that voice needs to touch on the issues and realities our LGBTQ+ community faces.
How do you keep motivated:
One important tactic for me is reminding myself to accept the time limitations that sometimes just happen and the fact that inspiration does not always rain down from above. I have to remind myself to be happy to paint anything at all, no matter how small, humble, or undeveloped, and that it could eventually lead to something more powerful in the future.
Name a famous artist that inspires you and one not yet famous artist you would like the readers to know about.
John Singer Sargent, an American painter from the late 1800s, was my original inspiration for creating works in oil. What truly brought Sargent to my attention was one of his monumental and most controversial pieces Madame X, which scandalized the Salon of 1884 in Paris. The model, a well-known New Orleans socialite who had made herself an iconic sight in Paris, was painted with a curve-revealing black dress and one of her straps down, revealing a naked shoulder that resulted in the outrage of many of his followers. Enchanted by the story, I have tried to learn about his liberal use of paint, thick and rich in color, as well as his obsession with the importance of mid-tones.
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
My online store has been launched and it currently offers customer pet portraiture, but more is coming up. I will be appearing in upcoming art walks in Wilton and working on a series for the Hot Spots gallery. Some of my artworks are also on exhibit at my vendor space at the Wilton Collective on Wilton Drive.
What inspires you to be an artist and what inspiration can you pass on to others?
What most inspires me is the act of creating something out of nothing, of starting with a blank canvas and getting lost in the minutes or hours a painting demands. Once I get over the initial hump of working on a piece, I know that the ideas will just flow like the paint, allowing me to create something close to the ideal vision in my head. Additionally, visiting museums and seeing artwork that stirs my soul makes me crave joining that circle of creators that can speak through color and shape so powerfully.
How are you giving back to your community?
When I have a chance, I enjoy donating artwork or gift certificates for custom portraits to various charities in the area. It has been a fantastic way of getting to know people, pet lovers, and have a small hand in supporting causes that are important, especially to our community in Wilton Manors.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you.
In the last year, I have used tarot as part of my creative process, both for art and for writing poetry and short stories. Also, I have been known to use Excel to help me create abstract works based on mathematical and physical phenomena such as standing waves and the butterfly effect, which are part of my abstract expression.
Anything else you would like to include?
At the end of the day, my artwork is a reflection of where I have been as an engineer, tutor, poet, storyteller, and tarot coach, and where I will go. Integration of all these seemingly disparate interests and passions is one goal of mine, which I hope will help me strengthen the visual interpretation of the world that I want so badly to share with the world.
The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit from the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!
For more information on Dooney’s artwork and to see more of his fabulous works visit
www.artbydooney.com
or email
[email protected]