Born in Creswick, Victoria, Australian water colorist, engraver and etcher Lionel Lindsay grew up in an artistically talented family. A student at the National Gallery School in Melbourne, Lindsay also studied with George Coates. He taught himself engraving and etching prior to a lengthy trip to England and Spain. Upon his return, he established himself as a freelance artist and journalist in Sydney and held a highly successful exhibition of his etchings there in 1907 with the Society of Artists and became the first president of the Australian Printer-Etcher's Society when it was formed in 1921.

Lindsay had another highly successful exhibition, this time in the London galleries of the at the renowned art dealer Colnaghi. The favorable critical reception that his work received in London secured his reputation as a major British printmaker and water colorist. At home, he became a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and in 1941 was knighted for his contributions to Australian art. Lindsay died at Melbourne.