Julian Dyson (1936-2003) was a Cornish self-taught painter. Born in St. Mawes, Cornwall, he lived and worked in the town his whole life. He was a dentist by profession, but increasingly spent more time painting and drawing as he became more successful. His first solo show took place in 1972 at John Hansard Gallery, Southampton, and was followed by many more in most of the well-known Cornish galleries. In 2001 he had a solo exhibition at Falmouth Art Gallery, and his work can be found in the permanent collection there. He was a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists and was elected president of The Group of Twelve at its formation in 1996.

His early work, until 1975 or so, is characterised by examination of the work of artists as diverse as Francis Bacon, Patrick Caulfield and David Hockney. However, he abandoned this influences study quite quickly and found in drawing the landscape “a feeling of rhythm slowly developed”. Once his direction had become a style, he stated that “wind and rain decide the way I draw”. This led to Dyson’s self-styled drawing/painting “emphasising the quality of line which is so central to these images… people and animals have come to dominate this work which is drawn quickly to maintain its vibrant quality and life.”

Dyson’s late paintings, drawings and prints are complemented by his sculpture. Exuberant creations from found objects, carved stone, modelled ceramic and a late, beautiful, collaboration where he drew on the pots of fellow Cornish artist Chris Prindle.