Paterson combines sharp detail in the foreground with softer blended forms in the distance to convey a wonderful sense of space. The beautiful autumn colours, both striking and subtle, are caught in a shimmering light, enhanced by the river's reflection of the cloudy sky. Paterson's decision to move to Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, in 1884 was motivated by the attractive countryside, but also by the appeal of concentrating his creative energies in one place. It proved to be liberating rather than restrictive, as he produced a range of paintings there, including this work, which is considered to be one of his finest.