Michie’s work is largely abstract, though inspired by the landscape, whilst heavily working in acrylics and mixed media. 

Before working in abstract he worked as  a freelance illustrator and graphic designer.

It was meeting three American abstract artists, Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline and Mark Rothko. The experience drove him towards painting and particularly abstraction.

Alastair Michie, 1921-2008

Michie was born in France, the eldest son of the artist Anne Redpath and the architect James Beattie Michie. In 1934 he, his two brothers and their mother returned to Scotland, living in Hawick Roxburghshire. Michie studied architecture at Edinburgh College of Art until the outbreak of the Second World War, when he joined the RAF and was the youngest pilot to receive his wings. After war service he abandoned his studies in architecture and worked as an illustrator. His urge to paint was awakened after his introduction to the American Abstract Expressionists Rothko, Kline and Motherwell at the 1962 Venice Biennale. 

In 1950 Michie moved from Edinburgh to Dorset, where he lived and painted for the rest of his life. His work was largely abstract, though inspired by the landscape.