William Russell Flint – The White Boat, Polruan

William Russell Flint was one of the most celebrated British watercolourists of the 20th century. Russell Flint is known for his remarkable technical skill and precision. His mark making was acutely planed as he worked with a difficult medium, it is because of this precision with his decisions that he is able to create such depth within his work. His watercolour paintings are regarded as some of the finest work ever produced within the medium.

Before Flints death in 1969 he was internationally acclaimed and gained many titles. Flint was a member of the Royal Academy for many years and president of the Royal Watercolour Society for twenty years. Although he is known for his watercolours he also painted in oil and tempera, and produced etchings. In 1947, Flint was knighted for his services to the arts and held a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy.

His mesmerising landscapes were inspired by many locations. Flint painted in several countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and Scotland.
Flint was captivated by foreign lands and the distinctive differences to the equally beautiful locations in the UK. However, on the other hand Flints foremost fascination was the female form. This began to be incorporated into his landscape works. manifested in a range of depictions; from flamenco dancers to nude beaches.

Today his work is exhibited in numerous institutions around the world including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.