paintings
Shawn Dooley
artist and designer
Shawn Dooley is a modern artist, sculptor, and graphic designer based in the Chicago suburbs. His work is inspired by a life-long fascination with science fiction, horror, and fantasy illustrations and movies. He is also influenced by modern surrealists Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, and various contemporary artists such as H.R. Giger, Dave McKean, Ralph Steadman, Wayne Barlow and Bernie Wrightson. His work started with a No.2 pencil and a sketch pad, and then combines various mediums such as latex or plaster sculptures, natural wood, ink, photography, digital art, pencils, acrylics and water colors.
Shawn has done extensive work as a graphic designer for web marketing, print, local theater marketing campaigns, and local music artists. However, he is best known for his Grue Gallery brand of monster sculptures, skulls, and art of the macabre featured in local horror conventions and specialty shops. Shawn also holds a weekly live stream with the Grue Gallery where he works on current art projects while giving viewers an insight into some of his techniques behind his sculptures, molds, paintings, and plaques.
Shawn's work has been featured in local art events and horror conventions including: Flashback Weekend (Rosemont), Days of the Dead (Schaumburg), Walker Stalker Con (Rosemont), Krampus Creepy Curiosities and Oddities Market (Lombard), Pancakes and Booze (Chicago), Bad Ass Art Show (various Chicago Suburban Locations), Bones and Cones (Chicago), Art Bar (Aurora), Alley Art Festival (Aurora), and at If These Walls Could Talk Gallery and Framing (Aurora).
"I love trying new things. Sometimes, I have an idea of how I want something to look, but then it just evolves into something more. Ultimately, I just want to try to create cool art that makes me happy."
