Houston's early paintings were expressive and semi-abstract, but his paintings became more atmospheric as his career progressed. The artist appears to be enthralled by the restless energy and violent weather near the sea. The colour unites this painting of a fading storm attempting to break through the light. The horizon is clearly visible, but the sea is hardly distinguishable from the sky above.

John Houston OBE RSA RSW, 1930-2008

Born at Buckhaven, near Kirkcaldy, Fife, Houston studied at Edinburgh College of Art between 1948 and 1954. He was awarded a travelling scholarship and spent six months in Italy with David Michie during his final year at the college. After joining the teaching staff of the college in 1955 he was Deputy Head of the School of Drawing and Painting from 1982 until his retirement in 1989. He married Elizabeth Blackadder in 1959. They travelled widely in Europe, as well as visiting America and Japan.
Houston is a confirmed colourist. He has long admired Turner, "a constant companion and hero", and Edvard Munch. Among other sources of inspiration are the American painter Mark Rothko and the German painters Emil Nolde, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Max Beckman.