Art lovers have grown accustomed to the ocean figuring prominently in Dean Walker's work, but for his solo exhibition, 'Impressions', opening in the Edinburgh Gallery of the Bermuda Society of Arts this evening, the American pastel artist and Bermuda resident has made a conscious decision to move away from capturing so much of the ocean to introduce impressions of some of the many places he has visited — hence the title of his show.

The focal point of the exhibition will feature three major pastels entitled, 'Impressions of Key West', 'Impressions of Ireland' and 'Impressions of Arizona' — as well as a fourth entitled 'Impressions of Bermuda'.

"I have been painting here for three years and I wanted to expand a little and show people places other than Bermuda which I have always wanted to paint — but most of the exhibition will be of Bermuda of course." Mr. Walker says. "In fact, the major Bermuda painting is a great ocean scene because I love painting the ocean here."

Other subject matter in the the approximately 20-piece solo exhibition includes dories, dinghies, and modern scenes including buildings.

Mr. Walker is a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago where he studied under master watercolorist Irving Shapiro. He then spent 23 years as a graphic artist in the print media field, during which time he also painted watercolours and won numerous awards and competitions in Chicago area art shows.

Five years ago he returned to his favourite childhood medium: pastels — a decision which has since earned him plaudits and several awards, among them first place in the landscape category of the September/October 2005 edition of International Artist magazine, and an honourable mention in the landscape category of the June, 2007 'Pastel Artist' magazine.

Locally, Mr. Walker has twice held solo exhibitions at Masterworks, and he has also exhibited previously at the Bermuda Society of Arts. His work was included in last year's Bacardi Ltd. Biennial Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Bermuda National Gallery.

"Bermuda has been a wonderful place to launch a new career," the artist says. "I especially love to paint the water in and around the Island, and I am constantly trying to capture the play of light and shadow that is ever-moving on the waters of the Island. Bermuda's bright colours also inspire me to paint in a bold, bright fashion."

[bul]'Impressions' continues through June 6. Mr. Walker's e-mail address is: dgwalker1@mac.com.