Expertise:
Wildlife and landscape painting. Palette knife painting. Creative writing; copyediting, graphic design, book production coordination.
Major Product/SVS:
Original Oil Paintings, Sculpture, Fine porcelain, one-off-a-kind jewelry
Hobbies/Sports:
Walking her dog; Spending time with her grandchildren
Education Degrees:
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism & Advertising, The Pennsylvania State University (1969); Bachelor's Degree in Art Education, Washington & Jefferson College, (1983) GPA 2nd highest in class of 244.
Affiliations Awards:
Oil Painters of America; American Impressions Society; Artists for Conservation
Charity:
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic: Our Lady of Mercy Outreach; Noah's Arc Rescue; Ronald McDonald House Charities; Ducks Unlimited; Kidney Foundation; Habitat for Humanity International: James Island Christian School: Charleston Animal Society.
Number Of Years In Profession:
11
Number Of Years In Current Position:
20
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her determination, self-motivation and her faith.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
Since childhood, she has had a talent for artistic expression and writing.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mrs. Dobbin has been drawing and painting since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was selected to attend special classes for the artistically gifted while still in elementary school. The classes were held at what later became Carnegie Mellon University, an incubator of talent, producing many nationally prominent artists.
A gifted writer as well, she graduated with a degree in Journalism & Advertising from Pennsylvania State University and won numerous graphic awards in the field of communications. She was a stay-at-home mom for a few years doing volunteer work. She later obtained her art degree , graduating magna cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College where she was honored with the prestigious Beta Scholar designation by the president of the college.
Dobbin was an adjunct professor of art at Washington and Jefferson College for several years and also taught art at high school and elementary levels. As a teacher, she pioneered the the integration of art history into the practical arts curriculum at all educational levels (K-12). She has written extensively about the value of art to the learning process of youngsters. In addition, Ms. Dobbin later started her own business as a private consultant in art and graphic design. A professional artist for over twenty years, she has also authored two book and is currently part owner of an art gallery. She and her husband have been living in the Charleston area for the past 15 years.
Although Dobbin currently works exclusively with oils, her extensive body of work includes etchings, mezzotints, watercolors and pastels. She paints in an impressionistic style, often using heavy impasto applied with the palete knife. While aiming for an overall loose interpretation, she uses small amounts of detail to emphasize the focal point. It is said that her work "touches the soul".
Dobbin is not an artist who sticks to one subject matter or color scheme. Nature is a constant theme, however. Her passion for wildlife and the effect of light on the landscape emerge as images that stir the emotions and warm the heart.
She is a member of the Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation. Her work appears in numerous private, public and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe and Australia and is included in the collection of a former US president.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Marketing her new book, as well her work and expos; Maintaining the website; Attending events; Developing and creating brochures and other marketing materials. Painting in her home studio or in "plein aire": Research trips focusing on wildlife and new subject matter.
Education Certifications:
Pennsylvania Teacher Certification in Elementary and Secondary Education, Art
Awards/Honors:
Dean's List, Pennsylvania State University
MacEcheran Award, First Place for Annual Report Design
Beta Scholar designation by President of Washington & Jefferson College
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Dobbin would like to see her art work in other galleries throughout the country and other books and articles published.