Studland Beach, ?late 1930s

Sir Walter Westley Russell RA (1867 - 1949)

RA Collection: Art

This small landscape shows Russell's interest in the effects of light falling on objects. The fluid handling of the paint, light tones and sketchily painted figures give the work a freshness and spontaneity, reminiscent of the Impressionists and painters of the Barbizon School. Although the composition is carefully constructed, the spectator's eye is not encouraged to rest on any specific detail, evoking the sensation of movement in this busy seaside location. The painting's size and immediacy suggest that it was painted outdoors.