This watercolour dates from 1886 when Walton was working at Cockburnspath. Although it appears to have been painted directly from life, he would have carefully conceived the composition from a series of small sketches which he later worked up in his studio. Walton was inspired by Japanese prints and had been given the nickname “Hokusai” by his fellow artists, after the famous eighteenth century Japanese printmaker. This influence is evident in his use of flattened perspective and his emphasis on strong patterns to produce an overall harmonious effect. He also admired the work of the Barbizon School, especially paintings by Jules Bastien Lepage (1848–1884). Lepage’s loose brushwork and vibrant colours probably encouraged Walton to be more experimental.