Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Dorothea Sharp died in 1955; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2025.
In context
Sunday picnic — Dorothea Sharp
Shaded: the lifetime of Dorothea Sharp (1874–1955)
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Rosy Brown #a78f7a
Catalogued palette
Artist and museum
Born in Dartford, United Kingdom
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Look closely
Sunday picnic — Dorothea Sharp
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