Visual emotions

Photos by Dwight Andrews/Office of Communications

The newest exhibit on the McGovern Medical School Art Wall features the vibrant and emotionally resonant work of David Teasdale, a Texas-based artist and alumni of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, whose paintings celebrate the beauty of nature, faith, and spontaneous creativity.

Inspired by early 20th-century decorative and expressive painters, Teasdale’s work captures not just scenes but emotions—rendered through simplified, semi-abstract forms and jubilant color palettes. His visual journey is deeply intertwined with his spiritual path, both of which embrace the unexpected harmony of shape, line, and color. As Teasdale shares, “All real works of art look as though they were done in joy,” quoting artist Robert Henri—a sentiment that radiates through each piece on display.

Born in 1956 and raised on a ranch outside Houston, Teasdale’s early connection to the natural world continues to inform his artistic vision. A practicing dentist for more than 38 years, he has balanced a career in health care with a lifelong passion for creating—drawing, sculpting, painting, and building. His artistic practice, especially in oil painting, allows him to explore spontaneity and emotional depth in contrast to the precision of dentistry.

Now with more time to devote to his art, Teasdale draws inspiration from artists such as André Derain, Henri Rousseau, and Maurice de Vlaminck. His work invites viewers to experience joy, freshness, and emotional honesty—qualities that make his paintings both accessible and deeply moving.

Visit the Art Wall in person on the ground floor of the Medical School Building.

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