Born in Leeds, Donald spent his childhood in North West Scotland. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art. He trained as a dentist, served in the army and became an Education Health Officer. Inspired by his childhood memories, Donald particularly enjoyed painting dramatic coastal scenes of the British Isles. Often he would paint in situ, finishing his larger works in his studio. Donald settled in North Wales for over 45 years, spending most of his summers painting on Iona.
Donald developed a palette firmly rooted in the Scottish Colourist tradition with a strong post-impressionist style. His paintings are lively and spontaneous created with an enthusiastic application of paint. Painting mainly in acrylic, his vibrant colours capture the light and life of his subjects with masterly small and broad strokes.
He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Scottish Academy and at the Royal Society of Marine Artists. He was a Member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. Michael's paintings hang in many public, corporate and private collections throughout the world. His work has been the subject of many published articles.
