Florence Yuqing RI (b. 1998) is a London-based artist who works primarily in watercolour, a medium she has loved since childhood.
From a young age, Florence was captivated by the world of art, carrying a small watercolour set with her wherever she went and often inventing characters and sketching them, delighting in imagining their personalities. Her mother was instrumental in nurturing her early interest in art, and together they experimented with a variety of painting and drawing techniques, creating art from different materials, sculpting clay, and even painting or sculpting on seashells they collected from the beach. These early experiences not only developed her love of creating with her hands but also established a lifelong creative partnership with her mother, who remains her greatest supporter and source of guidance.
In 2022 her work was selected for the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) annual exhibition at Mall Galleries in London. The following year she exhibited again as a candidate for membership, and in April 2023 she was elected to the Institute, becoming its youngest member at the age of 24 after exhibiting with the RI for two consecutive years. She also became an artist member of the Federation of British Artists.
Florence’s work focuses on portraiture and figurative painting, exploring the beauty of the flesh and the emotional, delicate nature of human beings. She captures the atmosphere, emotion, and expression of her subjects, often in a peaceful tone. In recent years, she has created imaginary characters, adding an otherworldly quality to her portraits. Since 2023 she has been developing a series of self-portraits, exploring authenticity, vulnerability, and the journey of knowing oneself.
Since 2022, Florence has exhibited annually with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, with her work selected for every exhibition to date. In 2024 she won the RP Prize for the Best Small Portrait, and in 2025 she received the Raw Umber Studios Prize. Alongside these achievements, she has also exhibited with other societies within the Federation of British Artists, including the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Society of Women Artists. In 2025 she was shortlisted for the main Cass Art Prize.
Her work is held in private collections internationally, and she has received commissions from clients overseas. One notable commission in 2025 was a portrait of Deborah Mitford for UKTV’s drama series Outrageous, produced by BBC Studios in partnership with the Federation of British Artists. This portrait in watercolour offered Florence’s interpretation of the respected historical figure Deborah Mitford, portrayed by Orla Hill. It was exhibited at the series premiere at Picturehouse Central in London on 10 June 2025, which Florence attended as a guest.
Beyond her painting practice, Florence is actively involved in supporting the artistic community. She served as Steward for the Artists’ General Benevolent Institution (AGBI) from 2024 to 2025, representing the RI and creating initiatives to help raise funds for artists in need. In 2025 she was appointed Publicity Officer for the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.