Robert Dunahay

Although most famous for his hyper-realistic palm tree paintings, Robert Dunahay has long ventured into various different series and the breath of his work cannot easily be categorized. His latest, more minimalistic works find their inspiration in geometric abstraction. Combining elements of modernism, minimalism, pop culture, and new materials like holographic pigment, he has created an entirely new body of work.

Born in Colorado, his artistic career has taken him to New York, San Francisco and ultimately, Palm Springs. It was there, in the land of palm trees, where his work evolved into what it is today. Although Dunahay simultaneously works on several series at the same time, the proximity to the desert landscape opened an affection for new materials including sand and holographic pigment.

Distinguished patrons worldwide collect Dunahay’s art including the Royal Family Al Thani of Qatar, Baroness Monica Von Neumann of Switzerland and celebrities Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammer and Linda Hamilton. His work is part of the corporate collections for Pepperdine University, The Financial Times, The Packard Foundation and the W Hotel. 

 

 

Photo: Robert Dunahay in his studio

© Denise George
Robert Dunahay in studio with Kimberly - Photographer credit Denise George opt

Horns of a Dilemma

Walk with us through our Palm Desert Gallery to view "Horns of a Dilemma," one of Robert Dunahay's iconic paintings!

 

AVAILABLE WORKS & INVENTORY

Only a curated selection of works is shown online. Our inventory changes frequently, and many important works are not publicly listed.

If you are actively considering an acquisition, we invite you to request the current inventory and availability.

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ARTWORK

Artist Statement - Robert Dunahay about the palm tree paintings

“I am drawn to the palm for its strong positive symbolism. For most of us, palm trees are an important element in the landscape of our perfect vacation. They are a simple reminder that life is good. In these paintings, I use color to enhance the exotic-ness that is already inherent in palm trees. The “face to face” composition provides the viewer with an intimate opportunity to observe the palm tree much as they would a portrait of a person. By replacing traditional references to landscape with a solid color background, the palm becomes iconic, transcending nature to become an alluring ideal palm. My goal is to engage the viewer in a way that allows them to experience the palm rather than to render a specific tree.”   

- Robert Dunahay

Biography

Robert Dunahay, born 1954, U.S.A. His career as an artist has led him from New York to Palm Springs were he currently works out of his 3000 square foot studio. Included in prestigious domestic and international collections, distinguished patrons worldwide collect Dunahay's work, including the Royal Family AI Thani of Qatar, and Baroness Monica Von Neumann of Switzerland.

His colorful paintings frequently get snapped up by celebrities like Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammer, and Linda Hamilton to name a few.

Corporate collections include Pepperdine University, The Financial Times, The Packard Foundation, and the W Hotel. His work is held in the collections of the Peninsula Museum of Art and the Fredrick R. Weisman Museum of Art. in 2008, Robert was invited to participate and lecture about his work for "The Altered Book Project", a joint exhibit ion of the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Public Library.

In 2009, he was a guest on "The Joan Quinn Profiles" the international cable show hosted by Joan Quinn, former editor of Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine.

Dunahay has been featured in Metropolitan Home, Space Magazine, Palm Springs Life, Dune Magazine, Sunset Magazine publications, and Season in the Sun Magazine.
more about this artist

Biography

Robert Dunahay, born 1954, U.S.A.
His career as an artist has led him from New York to Palm Springs were he currently works out of his 3000 square foot studio.
Included in prestigious domestic and international collections, distinguished patrons worldwide collect Dunahay's work, including the Royal Family AI Thani of Qatar, and Baroness Monica Von Neumann of Switzerland.

His colorful paintings frequently get
snapped up by celebrities like Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammer, and Linda Hamilton to name a few.

Corporate collections include Pepperdine University, The Financial Times, The Packard Foundation, and the W Hotel. His work is held in the collections of the Peninsula
Museum of Art and the Fredrick R. Weisman Museum of Art. in 2008, Robert was invited to participate and lecture about his work for "The Altered Book Project", a joint exhibit ion of the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Public Library.

In 2009, he was a guest on "The Joan Quinn Profiles" the international cable show hosted by Joan Quinn, former editor of Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine.

Dunahay has been featured in Metropolitan Home, Space Magazine, Palm Springs Life, Dune Magazine, Sunset Magazine publications,
and Season in the Sun Magazine.

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