The Life and Art of John Russell Born in Guildford, Surrey, John Russell was the son of a book and print seller. He showed an early inclination for art and trained under Francis Cotes RA, an early pioneer of English pastel painting. Russell's technical approach was influenced by the pastel drawings of Rosalba Carriera, specifically her methods of "sweetening." He established his own studio in London in 1767 and became an associate of the Royal Academy in 1771, eventually being elected a royal academician in 1788. His skill in portraiture earned him significant patronage, including the appoint…