Russell was particularly known for his skill as a colourist; during his stay on Belle Île he ground and mixed all his own pigments. In the late 1880s, he even met Claude Monet who would later become a big name in the field. 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 works of art.