George Houston was a distinguished Scottish landscape painter celebrated for his luminous depictions of the west coast of Scotland. Born in Dalry, Ayrshire, he trained at the Glasgow School of Art and became closely associated with the Glasgow Boys, a group of artists who revolutionized Scottish painting with their fresh approach to colour, light, and composition.
Houston’s work is characterised by a deep reverence for the Scottish countryside, particularly the rolling hills, moorlands, and coastal views of Ayrshire and Argyll. His paintings capture the shifting moods of nature, often bathed in the soft glow of dawn or dusk, evoking a profound sense of tranquillity. He was especially skilled in creating atmospheric effects, using a restrained yet rich palette to convey the ever-changing Scottish skies.
Though influenced by the Glasgow Boys, Houston’s style remained uniquely his own, blending impressionistic techniques with a meticulous attention to detail. He gained significant recognition during his lifetime, exhibiting at the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, the Royal Scottish Academy, and internationally. His work was highly sought after, and he was elected President of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW).
Beyond painting, Houston was a keen printmaker, producing etchings that reflected the same poetic appreciation for the natural world. Today, his work is celebrated for its quiet beauty and remains an enduring tribute to Scotland’s landscapes, preserving their essence for generations to come.
