Burl J. Dawson Jr. was born in 1953 in Providence, Rhode Island. He attended Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Massachusetts, majoring in painting, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1976. Burl continued his education at Southeastern Massachusetts University where he earned his Master's Degree in Art Education in 1986. Prior to retiring in 2018 Burl taught art to middle and high school students in North Smithfield Public Schools for 29 years.
Burl, his wife Cheryl and their son Kyle reside in the Green Hill Beach area of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Burl's paintings capture the South County coastline in all seasons.
Artist's Statement