About the Artist

Ann Dunbar is an award-winning artist born in Hampshire and educated in the UK, now living and working in France full time on her art. For over ten years, she has developed an original style and technique to find her unique expression and signature. The distinctive marrying of techniques on paper together with the elegance and charm of fine embroidery brings enchantment to her compositions inspired by “la dame nature”.

Ann was encouraged by her parents and teachers to pursue her artistic ability as young as thirteen. She was offered a place at Art college after her schooling, but she was then advised by her parents to obtain a teaching diploma which she finalised in 1975. At that time, she won first prize at a competition in Streatham, London, then she attended West Surrey college of Art from 1975 to 1978. Ann taught in schools and colleges for 16 years before she worked as an artist. 

Due to her husband’s relocation, she moved to Paris. Making the most of her surroundings, she took part in the famous Parisian salons where she acquired awards and medals. Her art has enabled her to travel the world and she enjoys making a body of work inspired by these travels. Visits to Cambodia, Japan, India and China has broadened her usage of materials, such as gold leaf, interference medium, metal threads and bolder colours in contrast to softer backgrounds.

Oriental art and artists such as Turner and Monet, Redon, and Van Gogh are the principal influencers of her art.

 Artist’s statement: 

“The effect of light plays an important role in my creations. The enchantment of stitching embroidery on to painted grounds on paper is the magic which brings the compositions alive with rich textural details. The translucent, ethereal backgrounds worked in water mediums provide the atmosphere and the ambiance to the subject.”