In 1884 Paterson moved to the Dumfriesshire village of Moniavie. Here, he painted watercolours in the open air, combining careful observation with a strong sense of decorative design. Paterson was especially fond of using subtle harmonies of blues and browns. He quickly jotted down the entire composition with large masses made up of broad washes, and then added more concentrated details later. He was a fine colourist, and his use of browns and reds were often set off against a vibrant use of blue. He would use sponging, layering of paint, and retouching to create texture, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the Scottish countryside and its cool, clear climate.