Bernard Francis Dillon
A photograph of the seventy-three year old artist, Bernard Francis Dillon, opens his gallery in which numerous drawings and paintings are exhibited.
The earliest works date back over sixty years to when he was a part time student at the Hammersmith College of Art, Lime Grove. He was studying anatomy and life drawing under the guidance of his tutor, CAREL WEIGHT, R.A.
As Carel Weight was professor of painting at the Royal College of Art as well as being a Royal Acadamy Trustee considerable information about him can be found on the internet.
As is widely known, Dillon spent most of his working life painting for a living and, before Letraset and computers were introduced to the world, this had to include lettering. Today, eight years after his official retirement, he continues to sit at his easel painting ‘what he wants, when he wants’. He says that he is now in a position to survive without the need to seek commissions.
However, this is not the case for his two sons, STEVE DILLON and GLYN DILLON for they are, as already mentioned, both professional artists with much being written about them on the internet. His daughter, Julie, is also artistic but has chosen to remain an amateur expressing her creative side in tapestry. His grandson, MARK DILLON, is also a professional artist and lecturer having acquired his fine arts Masters Degree, MFA. at Slade in London.
A portrait of the artist's father, Bernard Francis Dillon Snr., drawn in 1973
A sample of Dillon’s student work from sixty-two years ago.
Another example of his 1957 life drawings whilst being tutored by CAREL WEIGHT R.A.
The artist’s first preliminary composition sketch of the Right Rev’ Dr., Alan Smith, 10th. Bishop of St. Albans, before embarking on the painted portrait.
The finished portrait. Oil on canvas 30″ x 24″
The presentation of the painting.
A sketch of his youngest son, Glyn, made forty-two years ago in 1980.
Life drawing class 1957-58
A water colour sketch in preparation for a wall mural 16′ x 8′
Detail of larger painting, 1966. Oil on board, 32″ x 23″
Sketch of Artist’s wife, Muriel. 1979
“Have they gone?” Exhibited in The Royal Society of Miniature Painters. 2012
“Hopkin’s Cottage”, Watercolor. 1997
“Woodland Deer”, Oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
Detail from larger painting, 1997. Oil on Board
From student sketches, 1957-58
“Snow by the river”. 1997 Watercolour
Privately commissioned double sided sign. Oil on board. Exported to Californian clients in 1969.
“Moonlight Supper” Oil on Board, 15.75″ x 11.5″. 2012
Life drawing sessions 1957-58
Unfinished pencil drawing of his eldest son, Steve, in 1978. He became a professional artist in 1979.
A quick watercolour sketch in preparation for a larger painting. 1997
A pencil sketch of his only daughter, Julie, in 1979. She is now an advisor in the care and education of Autistic children.
“Umbilical Strangulation” Oil on board, 36″ x 20″. Exhibited in the 2013/14 Annual Exhibition held in the Municipal Art Gallery and Museum of Luton.
Owing to the popularity of Bernard F. Dillon’s occasional side step into the realms of Surrealism there are very few to exhibit here. The vast majority of them are already in private collections.
A pencil sketch of his seven year old son, Glyn, in 1978. Eleven years later he became a professional artist, a graphic novelist and a costume designer
Life studies, drawn at Hammersmith College of Art, in 1958.
“Soon be home” Watercolour 1978.
Mirror image self portrait drawn by the artist thirty-eight years ago in 1984.
Life drawings taken from his student sketch pad, 1957-58.
Cutenhoe Road, Luton. Watercolour 2001
The artist, Bernard Dillon, aged four. Drawn by his Uncle, Daniel Dillon 1944.
Detail taken of larger oil painting, Umbilical Strangulation.
Further Life Drawing completed at Lime Grove Art College, 1957-58
“Operation Rescue” Oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
“After the Storm” Oil on board, 36.5″ x 20.5″
Quick sketch of Dillon’s youngest son, Glyn. 1986.
“The Edwardian Dream” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 24″. 2012
"Luton's Personal Sacrifice, (near and far) by Bernard Francis Dillon. Oil on Board, 42" high.
The painting was exhibited in the Luton Museum's Annual Art Exhibition 2013 sponsored by the Murry Barford Trust. The Judges awarded it the 'Inspired by Luton' Prize.
The Deputy Mayor of Luton, Councillor Zia, presenting 'The Inspired by Luton' Annual Art Award to Bernard Dillon
Portrait of Kelvin Hopkins MP. Oil on Canvas 30" x 24"
Kelvin Hopkins MP receving his portrait, 29th March 2014
"St. Albans in a Bygone Era" by Bernard F. DIllon. Oil on Panel, 50cm x 40cm
"Bernie" Oil on panel, by Bernard Dillon (unfinished). 495mm x 400mm