Jessie O. Douglas facts for kids

Jessie Ogston Douglas (born in 1856) was a talented British artist. She was known for her beautiful watercolour paintings. Jessie was also a teacher and a leader in the art world. She was a vice-president of the Belfast Art Society. Later, she became an honorary member there. Her art was even shown at the famous Paris Salon in Paris, France.

Early Life and Art School

Jessie Ogston Douglas was born in Belfast. She had one sister. We don't know much about her early family life.

She went to the Belfast Government School of Art from 1872 to 1882. Another artist, Albert Morrow, was also studying there at the same time.

In 1882, a newspaper called the Belfast Newsletter wrote about her art. They said she was one of the most talented students. The newspaper praised her flower and plant paintings. They said her landscapes were clever and her figure drawings were excellent. Her work was a credit to both herself and the art school.

After Belfast, Jessie studied art in Paris, France. She learned from famous artists like Tony Robert-Fleury and Jules Joseph Lefebvre. She traveled a lot around Europe. Her paintings show places like Venice, Brittany, Flanders, and Zeeland. In 1888, she showed a painting called Brutalité at the Paris Salon.

Her Art Career

Jessie returned to Belfast in 1890. She showed two paintings with the Water Colour Society of Ireland. She continued to exhibit her art with this society for 30 years. During that time, she showed more than 70 paintings.

By 1891, Jessie had her own art studio in Belfast. It was located on Chichester Street. She offered art lessons there with another teacher, Miss L Dickson. Her art was also shown at an exhibition at Rodman & Company.

Jessie moved her studio a few times. In 1894, she moved to Donegall Square West. Then, in 1896, she moved to Garfield Chambers on Royal Avenue. She worked from this studio for over 30 years. She gave private art lessons to students like Kathleen Isabella Mackie.

Leading Art Societies

Jessie had been showing her art with the Belfast Art Society for several years. In 1896, she was chosen as one of their four vice-presidents. She was re-elected as vice-president in 1901.

She also showed five paintings at the Irish Decorative Art Association in 1902. She continued to exhibit with this group for several years.

In 1903, Jessie showed a watercolour painting at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This was a very important exhibition. She showed another watercolour there in 1908.

In 1904, her work was displayed at the Modern Gallery in London. She was one of six Irish artists featured there. Other artists included Joseph W. Carey and Percy French.

Jessie also showed five works at the first exhibition of the Allied Artists Association in 1908. This event took place at the Royal Albert Hall. She exhibited with this group three more times until 1911.

Later Years

Jessie continued to show her art in many places. These included the Royal Scottish Academy and the Society of Women Artists. She also exhibited at the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colour. Her work was shown at the Walker Art Gallery and the Connell & Sons Gallery.

From 1906 to 1920, she presented eight paintings at the Royal Hibernian Academy.

In 1918, Jessie and another artist, Rosamond Praeger, became honorary members of the Belfast Art Society. Jessie showed her last painting there in 1920.

After 1928, her name no longer appears in the art society's records. However, her studio was still listed in the Belfast Street Directory in 1932.

Jessie Ogston Douglas never married. She lived in her family home for most of her life. We do not know the exact year she passed away.