William Oliphant Hutchison 1899-1970

William Oliphant Hutchison (1889–1970) was a Scottish painter best known for his refined portraiture, but his landscape paintings of France reveal a deep appreciation for light, atmosphere, and the subtleties of the natural world.

Trained at the Edinburgh College of Art, Hutchison developed a style influenced by both the Scottish tradition and the techniques of French Impressionism. His travels to France, particularly to Provence and the Mediterranean coast, inspired a series of luminous landscapes that capture the region’s charm and warmth.

Hutchison’s French landscapes often depict rolling countryside, sunlit village streets, and coastal scenes bathed in a soft, golden light. His brushwork is loose yet precise, allowing him to evoke both the vastness of the landscape and the intricate details of rural life. The influence of the Scottish Colourists can be seen in his rich, harmonious palette, blending earthy tones with bursts of vibrant colour.

Although best known as a society portraitist and later as Director of the Glasgow School of Art, Hutchison’s landscapes of France stand as a testament to his ability to convey mood and place. These works remain admired for their elegance, balance, and the artist’s keen eye for the beauty of the French countryside.