Sisterhood Spotlight

What area of Virginia did you grow up in and what was that like?

I grew up in Massaponax, a small rural community just outside of Fredericksburg. I'd wake each morning to the sight of horses in the open field and cows in the pasture across the road from me and chickens in our backyard. I loved hearing the sound of the horses galloping freely across the open field. As a child, I was fascinated by nature, the sky and its beautiful, ever-changing colors. Even back then, I seemed to notice the beauty in things surrounding us that often go unnoticed.

What motivated you to pursue your passion in art?

What motivated me to pursue my passion in art was when I realized that I had a God-given gift that provided me with a healthy escapism, shifting my focus from stressors to a temporary sense of calm. I felt it was beneficial to me and wanted to share it with others. My goal is to provide my viewer with a sense of peace and calmness, a peaceful distraction from their problems, concerns and stress. I enjoy uplifting and helping people to feel a little better. That is what motivates me.

What is a piece of art you’ve created that you’d like to share about?

There is one piece that stands out in my mind; it was an oil painting titled, "Sitting on top of the World." It was a lady dressed in white, seated high on the cliff overlooking the world below. It sold quickly and three other people were interested in it, so I successfully recreated it three more times. Of course, they were not exactly replicas but they were similar enough to please their new owners.

Has faith played a role in your creations?

Faith has absolutely played a major role in my creations. When I sit at my easel, before I even start to mix my colors/paints, I pray, “Heavenly Father, use my hands to create something that will touch, uplift and invoke a sense of calm in the viewers.” I feel so thankful at my exhibits when people come to me, telling me how my exhibit gave them a sense of calmness or peace. It makes me happy to know that my hands were used to create something that made a difference. 

What would you like to share with other women about creative pursuits and the role of art?

What I would like to share with other women about creative pursuits and the role of art is to always pursue your passions. Don't dismiss them; instead, nurture them. Immerse yourself in it and do it from your heart, because like me, you never know what doors and opportunities will open for you! Remember to not be afraid to be yourself, to express yourself. Don't try to conform; embrace being your unique and one-of-a-kind self because YOU are a Masterpiece!

About Dolores Williams Bumbrey

Dolores Williams Bumbrey is a visual artist who lives and works in Fredericksburg, Virginia. A native of Virginia, her colorful paintings pay homage to her southern and faith-based background, capturing the calmness of nature and the peace that can be found through the sacred elements of landscapes.

As a child, Dolores displayed signs of innate artistic talent in both drawing and painting. Bob Ross was a major artistic influence and ignited Dolores’ passion for creativity and engagement with landscapes. She states, “I want my work to provide a temporary calmness and escape to the viewer in a world full of chaos. Before I paint, I always pray that my work will give individuals a sense of peaceful tranquility.”

Dolores is also a former CIA employee. She enjoys real estate investing and serving in the music ministry within her church and community.

The Artist is skilled in several different mediums and art forms, which include oil and acrylic painting and graphite pencil drawing. Dolores’s exhibitions include those in the Darbytown Studio Gallery, Fine Art America; additionally, you can find her art in numerous private collections and businesses.