Dale's interest in art began at an early age. His career has been varied
and rich. At age 12, he studied at the California School of Fine Arts. At
13, Tack Knight, a nationally syndicated San Francisco cartoonist, tutored
him. In high school and college he took all of the art clases he could fit
into his schedule. To earn money he painted posters for anyone and everyone
who ran for anything. He also did work for the Chinese Daily World
Newspaper.
Dale has taught art to students ranging from preschoolers to post graduates.
In the Army he was Post Artist assigned to Troop Information and Education
for the 6th Army. He painted posters for training infantrymen. His army
buddy was Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek fame. Later he bacame Art Consulatnt
for the Burlingame School District. He has done political cartoons for 11
Bay area Newspapers.
"I am determined to paint San Francisco as no one has every done," he says.
His work is a remarkable representation of the San Francisco scenes he loves,
making viewers feel as if they are actually there. His unique style incorporating
clear, bright colors, often with dramatic relections, sets him apart.
Dale now lives in Northern California where he
works out of his home studio. He and his wife Evie have two grown
children, Jeanne Perkins Carmack and Tarny
Perkins, seven grandchildren and a longhaired doxie - and a
house full of watercolors.
Although Dale's favorite media is watercolor, he continues to do commissioned pen
illustrations of special homes in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. This work
includes Franklin Templeton Headquarters, Decorator Show Houses, Burlingame and
San Mateo Centennial Scenes and a multitude of private homes.
"Every time I go to San Francisco, I take my 35 mm camera. My painting ideas
begin with scene inspirations, rough sketches and my camera. I have hundreds
of reference photos of San Francisco. Each one offers something special,
providing distinctive images that will enhance or complete a particular painting.
I look for shapes and colors and those special details that catch the eye but may be
too soon forgotten.
"When I think I'm through with a painting I put it aside and look at it again
the next day or so by checking it in a mirror to see if it is visually correct and what I
want. I sometimes make minor modifications and additions. If I can crate
the excitement that I feel when I first view a scene, I feel that I have
produced a successful painting."
"I love to paint and hope that I will continue to grow as an artist. I
want the end result to look like a watercolor, not a photograph or an oil
painting. I always try to include those unique watercolor qualities which
have moved and inspired me through the years."
