User:Nkerry2265/John Russell (Australian painter)

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Russell was very close to Van Gogh and they even considered themselves good friends. Exchanging letters and keeping in touch was common between them. In the late 1800's, Van Gogh sent Russell a letter chatting about his life but also praising his work, showing their close bond. Van Gogh hinted that Russell's early work as a painter already had the qualities of Impressionism artwork. Van Gogh praised Russell more and more as his work heightened. As much as these letters led to understanding Van Gogh, Russell is often overlooked even though the reader can see more about his artistry as well.

Russell first became interested in Impressionism in Paris, where he tried some of the techniques in his own works. In the late 1880's, he even met Claude Monet who would later become a big name in the field. In 1885, Russell made a trip to Cornwall and visited plein air colonies. This would lead to his inevitable friendship with Vincent Van Gogh, whom he formed a friendship with after moving to Paris in the year after.

Russell referred to Monet as "the prince of Impressionists," while they painted. They were close friends and often saw each other. Russell later bought land on the island where the two met and lived there for the next twenty years. He visited places around his now home and was inspired by the clear light and bright colors. This led to Russell creating serious works in plein air and showed his growth as an artist. We could say the trip long ago to Cornwall led to these beautiful works of art.