Atelier — Complimentary worldwide shipping — Delivery 2–6 weeks

      Dorothea Sharp

      1874 - 1955

      Dorothea Sharp: A Life in Impressionistic Hues

      Early Life and Education

      • Born in Dartford, Kent, United Kingdom in 1874, Dorothea Sharp began her artistic training relatively late, at the age of 21.
      • She funded her education with an inheritance of £100 from an uncle, allowing her to attend the Richmond Art School under C.E. Johnson RI.
      • Further studies at the Regent Street Polytechnic brought her work to the attention of George Clausen and David Murray, who recognized her talent.

      Artistic Development & Influences

      • A pivotal moment in Sharp’s artistic journey was her time in Paris, where she encountered the works of the Impressionists, particularly Claude Monet.
      • Monet's influence led her to adopt a highly impressionistic and spontaneous style that characterized her work for the rest of her life. She embraced capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light.
      • Her early work showed promise, but it was through embracing Impressionism that she found her distinctive voice.

      Career & Recognition

      • Sharp became an associate of the Society of Women Artists in 1903 and a full member in 1908, later serving as its Vice-President for four years.
      • She was elected to both the Royal Society of British Artists (1907) and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (1922), demonstrating her growing reputation within the art world.
      • Exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1901 to 1948, showcasing a consistent body of work.
      • Held her first solo exhibition at the Connell Gallery in 1933, receiving critical acclaim and being hailed as “one of England’s greatest living woman painters” by Harold Sawkins, editor of *The Artist* magazine.

      Themes & Style

      • Sharp's oeuvre is primarily known for two key themes: evocative landscapes and naturalistic studies of children at play.
      • Her landscapes often depict scenes from her travels, including locations in Europe (Cassis), Bosham, and St Ives, Cornwall.
      • Her depictions of children are particularly charming, capturing their spontaneity and joy with a delicate touch. She avoided overly sentimental portrayals, focusing on natural interactions.
      • Her style is characterized by loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on light and atmosphere, hallmarks of Impressionism.

      Later Life & Legacy

      • In the 1920s and 30s, Sharp continued to travel and paint, forming a lifelong friendship with fellow artist Marcella Smith in St Ives, Cornwall.
      • She was made an honorary member of the St. Ives Society of Artists (StISA) in 1928.
      • Dorothea Sharp passed away on December 17, 1955, at the age of 81.
      • While not as widely recognized today as some of her contemporaries, Dorothea Sharp remains a significant figure in British Impressionism, celebrated for her sensitive portrayals of everyday life and her mastery of light and color.

      Questions & Answers

      Where is Dorothea Sharp from?

      Dorothea Sharp was born in United Kingdom.

      Where can I find statistics about Dorothea Sharp's works?

      A Stats page exists for Dorothea Sharp, presenting statistics about the artist's artworks on this website.

      Where can I see Dorothea Sharp's artworks in a 3D gallery?

      The 3D Museum of Dorothea Sharp is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.

      Is there a complete list of Dorothea Sharp's artworks?

      Every work by Dorothea Sharp on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

      A little quiz

      There is only one correct answer for each question.

      Question 1:
      Dorothea Sharp is best known for her paintings of what subjects?
      Question 2:
      Which artistic movement had a profound impact on Dorothea Sharp's style?
      Question 3:
      In what year was Dorothea Sharp elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists?
      Question 4:
      Besides England, where did Dorothea Sharp frequently travel to paint?