James Coutts Michie: A Master of Highland Light and Rural Life Born in 1859 amidst the rugged beauty of Marywell, near Aboyne in Scotland’s Cairngorms, James Coutts Michie’s life was inextricably linked to the landscapes he so passionately captured on canvas. His early years were steeped in the traditions of a merchant family, yet his artistic inclinations led him down an unconventional path, one shaped by rigorous training and extensive travel – experiences that profoundly influenced his distinctive style. Michie wasn't merely a painter; he was a keen observer, meticulously studying light,…