Dawson was originally part of a Chelsea artistic circle that included Whistler, Frank Short and Frank Brangwyn. He made many direct and atmospheric studies around the coasts of Britain, as well as in Venice. These reflect his knowledge of seamanship. As well as oil paintings, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy, he produced a large number of soft ground etchings of marine and other subjects. From 1895, he and his wife, Edith Dawson, both active in the Arts and Crafts movement, largely abandoned painting for metalwork.