In 1800, William Hilton was apprenticed to the engraver John Raphael Smith, and around the same time enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools.

Varley gave De Wint lessons and introduced him to Monro, who ran an informal academy for young artists.

De Wint often visited Hilton's home in Up-Hill, Lincoln and painted many of his charming landscapes in the district.

De Wint's life was devoted to art; he painted admirably in oils, and he ranks as one of the chief English watercolourists.

"No artist", asserted Alfred William Rich, "ever came nearer painting a perfect picture than did Peter de Wint."

He frequently visited his wife's home city of Lincoln, and many of his panoramic landscapes and haymaking scenes are set in Lincolnshire.