The Inspired Landscapes of Troy Dunham

Troy Dunham’s artwork reflects his fascination with the people and landscapes of the Western United States. His meticulous paintings show an insight to both contemporary and historical lifestyles. “I find that people living in the west have strong ties to the land, like our ancestors did. It’s this relationship between people and nature that I wish to portray.”

Drawing and painting from an early age, Troy always knew he would be an artist. He studied at the College of Marin and earned his Degree in Art from San Francisco State University in 1977. Dunham has been exhibiting his artwork at one man shows and galleries since 1976. He travels extensively researching subject matter for his artwork, and has become a seasoned outdoor adventurer and historian.

Dunham’s work has been featured in national exhibitions of Western Art and Contemporary Realism, including shows at Mongerson Wunderlich Gallery, Chicago, Leslie Levy Gallery, Scottsdale and exhibits in New York and Pennsylvania. He has received commissions from the Pentagon, Harvard University and major corporations. Troy’s work has hung in the office of the Governor of California. His watercolor paintings, oils and pencil drawings have won awards and appeared on magazine covers nationwide.

In 1992, Dunham wrote and illustrated a book titled Pine Needle National Park Visitor Guide, a unique humor book about vacationing in the great outdoors. The book, in 1993, won an Interdisciplinary Media grant from the Marin Arts Council.

An active volunteer historian and park interpreter, Troy has been honored by numerous State and National Historic Parks on the West coast. The Living History programs that Dunham has coordinated have delighted thousands of park visitors over the years. The artist has portrayed historical characters in film productions, on PBS and on The Discovery Channel.

Dunham worked in 1995 with Academy Studios, an internationally known museum exhibit design and fabrication company. Troy acted as Supervising Historian and Muralist for permanent exhibits going into the Washington State Historical Society Museum in Tacoma.

Troy finds inspiration living in one of the most thriving art communities in the world, Marin County in Northern California. “Not only is Marin a beautiful place to live and work, it is home to a remarkable number of artists, writers, musicians, film makers and scholars. This is a wonderful setting for artists to seek their own vision and pursue sharing it with others.”

To view the selection of Troy Dunham's work available at Indian River Gallery, please click here.