An homage to Dorothy Rice, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists, reminding them of the power of resilience, the importance of independence, and the enduring impact of following one's true passion.

an article written by Mona Lisa Abramovich

​An Homage to Dorothy Rice (1924–2023)

Dorothy Rice was a woman of indomitable spirit and unparalleled talent, whose life and work transcended the conventional boundaries of art and society. From an early age, Dorothy knew she wanted to carve her own path in the arts, driven by a deep desire for autonomy and creativity. This determination was shaped by her observation of her mother, Sonia, who was discouraged from pursuing her own passions. Dorothy vowed to never let her life be constrained in the same way.

Her journey began in New York City, where at just 13, she started working as an illustrator in her father’s commercial art studio. By 17, she was making her way as a model, a career that would eventually propel her into the international spotlight. Dorothy’s big break came shortly after World War II, when she met Christian Dior in Paris and became a featured model for his revolutionary New Look collection. This opportunity catapulted her into the world of high fashion, where she worked with legendary photographers and mingled with the elite of New York society. Yet, despite her fame, Dorothy remained deeply committed to her craft, viewing modeling as both an art form and a profession that required constant innovation and adaptability.

Harbor View, ca. 1988-1990, Silkscreen on Paper, Unframed 22 x 30. Framed 23.75 x 31.5

In her forties, Dorothy returned to her first love—fine art. Over the next three decades, she built a distinguished career as a painter and sculptor, never compromising her vision or independence. Her work was inspired by the vibrant cultures she encountered during her travels, particularly in Mexico, where she developed a unique palette knife technique that became a hallmark of her early collections. Her adaptability as an artist was remarkable; she mastered various mediums and styles, from the bold, textured murals influenced by Mexican art to the fluid, impressionistic watercolors that captured the essence of Europe.

Mountain View, ca. 1988-1990, Silkscreen on Paper, Unframed 22 x 30. Framed 23.75 x 31.5

Dorothy was not just a trailblazer in the arts but also a pioneer for women in both the fashion and art worlds. She faced the challenges of being taken seriously as an artist after a successful modeling career, working twice as hard to earn the respect of her peers. Her determination paid off, as her work was eventually recognized by museums, galleries, and collectors—a source of immense pride for her.

Throughout her life, Dorothy was inspired by figures like Lee Miller, a model-turned-photojournalist who successfully transitioned into the art world, much like Dorothy herself would later do. This influence, coupled with her own experiences, shaped a unique artistic vocabulary that was both enormously original and deeply personal.

Dorothy Rice, painting in studio, 1975, courtesy of Dorothy Rice Art Company

Even in her final days, Dorothy remained true to herself. She defied expectations and lived life on her own terms, a sentiment encapsulated in her insistence on enjoying her favorite meal, lamb chops, even when it was medically inadvisable. It was this unyielding spirit, this refusal to compromise, that defined Dorothy Rice—a woman who lived her life with passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her art.
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Dorothy Rice's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists, reminding them of the power of resilience, the importance of independence, and the enduring impact of following one's true passion.

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This article about Dorothy Rice takes part of the ARTICULATE Promote Programme.