Donald McIntyre was born in 1923 and lived much of his early life in Scotland, before moving to North Wales. Although he initially trained as a dentist he also began studying at the Glasgow School of Art at the same time, taking evening classes. Donald started painting full time at the age of 40, and he spent many of his summers on Iona painting the coastal scenery. He enjoyed painting throughout the UK but focussed primarily on Scotland and Wales, using a bold palette and usually acrylics on board. Donald remained in Wales until his death in 2009.