Crossword Genius

Friend coming round is first to see painter (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

matisse

'painter' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'friend coming round is first to see' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'mate' (mate is a kind of friend).
'coming round' indicates putting letters inside.
'first to' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'see' is 's'.
'is'+'s'='iss'
'mate' enclosing 'iss' is 'MATISSE'.

(Other definitions for matisse that I've seen before include "Henri -, C twenty Fr. painter, sculptor, illustrator" , "Henri ---, Fauvist painter" , "French painter, Henri, d.1954" , "French impressionist" , "20th century French painter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.