Lil Neilson studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art from 1956-60, including a summer school at Hospitalfield House, Arbroath. She completed a post-diploma year tutored by Hugh Crawford and Alberto Morroco in 1960-61 and was awarded a traveling scholarship to France and Italy in 1961-62.

On her return she joined Joan Eardley in Catterline: they had become friends in 1960 at Hospitalfield House and Eardley invited Lil to paint in the studio she and Annette Stephen shared in Catterline. Like many other painters and visitors, Lil became enthralled with the place. At this time Lil also worked backstage with Reet Guenigault in theaters including the Traverse in Edinburgh and also in England, returning to Catterli...