WD Mackay was well known for his Scottish landscapes, many of which depict the south-west and his home territory of the Lothians. He preferred to work in the open air, completing many of his pictures 'in the field'.

This is an oil painting in a gilt wood frame. The subject is a panoramic landscape with an impressive, cloud studded sky. In the foreground horses graze on grass in a flat marshy area cut by a burn. Houses and an windmill are indicated in the background.

WD MacKay (1844-1924) was born in Gifford and produced works inspired by his home district throughout his working life. He is best known for pastoral oil paintings but also worked in watercolour and pencil. He became librarian of the Royal Scottish academy in 1896 and was secretary from 1907 until his death.