Biography
Walton and his artist friends formed a group known as the Glasgow Boys. They were inspired by developments in landscape painting in France and sought to explore the natural effects of light in the open air through painting Scottish rural subjects. Walton spent a year in Dusseldorf and studied at the Glasgow School of Art, but gained most experience working with his friends at Cockburnspath, Berwickshire and Cambuskenneth, Stirling. He specialised in landscapes and portraits. He settled with his family in Edinburgh in 1904 after a successful decade in London. Walton was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1905.
Glossary terms
A loose grouping of painters working in Glasgow in the late 19th century. Though there was no overall style or formal membership, they did exhibit together and shared an interest in rural scenes. Artists included John Lavery, Joseph Crawhall and James Guthrie.