William McTaggart and George Paul Chalmers were both taught by Robert Scott Lauder at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh. McTaggart was born on the Mull of Kintyre and returned there frequently from his studio in Glasgow and later from his home in Broomieknow, just outside Edinburgh. Following his time at the Trustees’ Academy, McTaggart was elected as an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy aged twenty-four. He has become known for his land and seascapes which reflect his fascination with nature and man’s relationship with it. Chalmer’s portrait of his friend focuses on his face, where the painting is more detailed in comparison to the fluid and expressive brushstrokes of his jacket.