Artist
Born in Hampstead, United Kingdom
Early Life and Education
Born: Doris Margaret Shaw, 21 April 1890, Hampstead, United Kingdom
Died: 31 July 1972
Nationality: English
Her father was a ship's doctor and her mother a former art student.
The family moved to Tavistock, Cornwall in 1907.
She enrolled at the School of Painting run by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes in Newlyn at age 15.
Met Laura Knight, who became a lifelong friend and influence.
Studied at Atelier Colarossi in Paris alongside Ernest Procter.
Artistic Development and Influences
Influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements.
Mentored by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes.
Inspired by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.
Developed a distinctive style characterized by sensual portraits of women and Cornish landscapes.
Early works included illustrated "Nature Notes" sent to her father at sea.
Major Works and Achievements
Morning (1927): Her most famous work, a portrait of a fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation and was bought by the Daily Mail for the Tate Gallery.
Early Morning: A smaller version of "Morning" held by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
Series of simplified, monumental images of young women (c. 1922).
Commissioned to decorate the Kokine Palace in Rangoon with her husband Ernest Procter.
Exhibited at the Royal Academy on numerous occasions.
Awarded "Picture of the Year" at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1927 for “Morning”.
Later Life and Legacy
After Ernest's death in 1935, she travelled extensively to the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Africa.
Became President of St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in 1966.
Member of several artists organizations including the Newlyn School.
Buried next to her husband at St Hilary Church, Cornwall.
Her work is recognized for its evocative portrayal of Cornish life and its contribution to early twentieth-century British art.
Historical Significance
A prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists.
Known for her unique vision and style that captured a sense of modernity.
Her portrait "Morning" is considered a significant work of 20th-century British art, praised for its “sensuous but sombre style” and depiction of Cornish light.
Contributed to the development of portraiture in Britain during the early 20th century.
