David Dodsworth's inspiration comes from a variety of sources: from the Abstract Expressionists to the images and sounds that surround him. Although he learned the fundamental skills of drafting and printmaking from the Lancaster School of Arts and from Polytechnic in Sunderland, his fascination with prehistoric drawing came from his extensive travels. His work may include American pictograms from 3,000 BC showing an ancient ritualistic past or delicately rendered animals from the 35,000-year-old caves of Chauvet. Additionally, some of his work may contain the calligraphy of Zen, or perhaps the transformational themes found at the Barrier Canyon.

Dodsworth creates a foundation for his paintings with a layer of acrylic resin mixed with marble paste; he may then apply carborundum steel powder to the surface. Oftentimes a stenciling process or stippling brush is used to echo the technique of the cave painters. Layers of translucent and opaque colors create complex hues and textures, which are then finished with glaze.

For his editions he constructs a series of plates from a sketched concept. The artist draws directly on an aquatint plate then uses a carborundum plate to produce textures and bold forms. There is intricate handwork and collage added to each piece. Dodsworth does not limit himself to one medium but instead works in several, most recently in glass. No matter what medium he chooses his creations are instantly recognizable and teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

His work has been exhibited worldwide and is in many corporate collections, such as Nomura Japan, M.L. Media, American express, and J.P. Morgan. People as diverse as Margaret Thatcher, Elton John, Ravi Shankar and Robert Di Niro are among his collectors.