Dorothy Ramsay works from her home studio, near Keswick, on the flanks of Blencathra. She draws constant inspiration from the open fields, mountain views and shifting weather patterns that surround her home, with much of her work rooted in a strong connection to place.
Her paintings range from bold, colourful abstracts to atmospheric landscapes of the Lake District, the west coast of Scotland and the Cumbrian coastline. Working instinctively, Dorothy allows each piece to develop naturally, creating work that feels energetic, personal and full of movement.
Dorothy Ramsay ‘A vIEW FROM THE STUDIO’
Having painted throughout her life, Dorothy studied at Sunderland Art College before continuing at Camberwell School of Art in London. Alongside painting, she has explored printmaking, etching and textiles, developing a practice that has never been tied to one fixed style. Instead, her work shifts between realism and abstraction, guided by mood, memory and experimentation. She notes the influence of Paul Klee and Winifred Nicholson in her work.
“I am free to play, there is no pressure for me to paint something that is more likely to sell. I have the freedom to paint whatever and however I feel in a particular moment”
This playful approach is evident in Dorothy’s work, it has a joyous spontaneity to it that is so unique and endlessly appealing. Her paintings are a charming mixture of things observed, imagined and remembered, in cleverly layered pieces that invite individual interpretation. She uses a varied palette of vibrant hues, often juxtaposed with softer pastel tones, that gives her work a distinctive light filled style.
DOROTHY rAMSAY ‘a Few sHEEP’
Our third floor gallery will include a carefully curated body of Dorothy’s work, bringing together a selection of paintings that reflect the breadth of her practice. From expressive landscapes to more abstract compositions, this collection of works offers a chance to explore the variety, freedom and individuality that define her work. A number of the paintings are focused on the idea of home, featuring various places Dorothy has lived over the years, and the memories attached to those places. It is a delight to enjoy those memories with her, and look through her fascinating, colourful life.
DOROTHY RAMSAY ‘the rag and bone man’