Born inEdinburgh; died in St Andrews on 18 October. Painter in oil of landscape and rocky coastal scenes. Studied at Trustees Academy under Scott Lauder. H went to London in 1866 and leapt to fame with his first picture exhibited that year at the Royal Academy 'A Spate'. This had been described as 'a revelation of close observation, fresh colour, and pure atmosphere: to look at it was to be transported from the hot and crowded city to the heart of the Highlands on a day of wind and rain' [Caw]. His early pictures gave little indication of the genre with which he was later to become associated. In 1863 his 'In the Highlands' was hailed as a new departure in Scottish landscape painting. 

A friend and teacher of Joseph Farquharson, he enjoyed painting the stormy coastal scenes of the north east with titles such as 'Sea-girt Crags' and Lonely Sea Cliffs where the Gannets find a Home'. His best work showed a coherent richness of line, rich and deep colour, the painting solid and masterly.

"His exhibit 'Evening' was regarded as a personification of Scotland as it appeals not to the tourist, but to the native ... the subtle spirit of the country to which he belongs, and by which his artistic nature has been shaped'. In 1891 he returned to Scotland settling in St Andrews.

Elected ARSA 1860 but resigned in 1877 when he was made an HRSA, ARA in 1877, RA in 1881. Exhibited RA (83) 1866-1904, RSA (41) 1855-1922, GI (14) and AAS. Represented in NGS, Aberdeen AG, Glasgow AG, Kirkcaldy AG, Manchester AG, Perth AG, Worcester AG and Victoria AG (Australia).

This painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1892 #217. Also mentioned in the monograph on Peter Graham RA His Life and Work by WM Gilbert 1899.