Don Dyson: Rambling Painter

by BRIAN N. MARI

Reprinted with permission of MOTORHOME LIFE

A studio motorhome started its travels from Selby, North Dakota, with artist Don Dyson, a landscape painter, at the wheel. Mrs. Dyson and seven children, ranging in age from 9 to 17, accompanied him, in the converted Oneida bus. The 66-passenger bus was purchased in Superior, Wisconsin, and remodeled by the Dysons. Don needed changes of scenes for his work; the rest of the family was delighted to go along.

As a roving artist, Don soon found sales coming from fellow travelers on the road. Neighbors in overnight campgrounds or at scenic highway pullouts invariably seemed to be attracted by the sight of a painter at work. When they discovered they could buy an original showing the view where they had stayed or stopped, many ordered a painting on the spot.

Don works at top speed, can turn out a 2x4-foot panel in 30 minutes or less. While his customer watches, or takes time out for a cup of coffee, Don can have. a land - or seascape ready for framing. He can also create a mural in any blank space in a customer's RecV.*

When the Dysons pulled up their North Dakota stakes, they had no idea that business would develop among RecV enthusiasts like themselves. They found that most areas required no city or county licenses for this type of enterprise, thus the only expense was cost of materials. Today Don works any hours he chooses, never has to dress up to impress his prospects. Anyone who wants a painting makes up has mind quickly since both he and the artist are on the move. Don's prices reflect his low overhead and most potential customers jump at this unique opportunity to own an "original Dyson."