Robert Russell MacNee RGI was an accomplished Scottish painter of landscapes.

MacNee studied at the Glasgow School of Art and tended to work with a broad brush in a relatively loose impressionistic style. His harmonious portrayals are delivered in a muted palette and carry the influence of the Dutch ‘Hague School’ painters, such as Anton Mauve (1838-1888) and Jacob Maris (1837-1899).

Essentially, his views are studies of the transient effects of light, rather than exact replicas of nature’s minutiae. In this respect, they convey a certain poetic spirit - a piece of the artist himself. He travelled to various locations in Scotland including Gowrie, Perth, Fife and the Inner Hebrides in search of inspiration. Also undertaking at least one trip to Yorkshire. Farms were a frequent subject, particularly those with poultry.

He exhibited extensively at the Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, where he became a member, and also at the Paris Salon, Royal Scottish Academy, and Royal Academy in London. He’s represented at Glasgow Museum, Culzean Castle, Perth Art Gallery and Stranraer Museum.

Exhibited

Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, Paris Salon, Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Academy, Royal Hibernian Academy, Walker Art Gallery, Manchester City Art Gallery, Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours, The Paisley Art Institute.

Public Collections

Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, Kirkcaldy Galleries, Lillie Art Gallery, NLC Museums, National Trust for Scotland at Culzean Castle Garden & Country Park, Perth Art Gallery, Rozelle House Galleries, Stranraer Museum.

Timeline

1861

Born in Milngavie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, to Robert McNee, a print block cutter, and Georgina McNee (nee McLachlan)

1871

Lived in Glasgow with his parents and siblings.

1898

Lived at West George Street, Glasgow.

1901

Lived at Dryburgh Gardens, Glasgow with his wife, Mary Lawson MacNee (nee Thoms), and son, Robert. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist. Landscape Painter’.

1907

Lived at Violet Bank, Doune, Glasgow.

1915

Lived at Braehead, Doune, Glasgow.

1952

Died in Barnhill, Dundee.