Sir David Murray was born on 29 January, 1849 in Glasgow. His father James was a boot and shoe maker from Appin, Argyleshire and the family lived at 18, Thistle Street, later moving to the Paisley road. When he left school, he initially worked for two merchants but in his spare time attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art, where he studied under Robert Greenlees. He would also go on frequent painting trips with his other amateur artist friends to areas such as Milngavie. Murray was one of the original founder members of the Glasgow Art Club which started in 1866. He frequently exhibited there over the years and became their president. In 1875, he decided to abandon his career in commerce to become a full time artist specialising in landscapes. In the same year, he made his debut at the Royal Academy from an address at 108 West George Street, Glasgow. He exhibited at the RA regularly throughout his life and posthumously. In 1881, he became an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy.

By 1883, Murray had made the move to London where he lived at Millais’s old studio, 1 Langham Chambers, Portland Place. He became a highly successful artist and was elected associate of the Royal Academy on 21 January, 1891 and became a full member on 25 January, 1905. As well as working in oils and watercolours, he also occasionally worked as an illustrator for The English Illustrated Magazine.

He was known for his boundless enthusiasm for painting and strong sense of individuality and travelled around exploring the beauty of the countryside. He also helped struggling artists and often took his students to paint at his favourite spots such as Ringwood in Hampshire. Although Murray spent most of his life painting the landscapes of Scotland and England he also travelled to France, spending time in Picardy and Italy. In 1917 he succeeded Sir James Linton as president of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. In 1918 he received a knighthood. Murray died at Langham Chambers on 14 November, 1933.

Examples of his work can be found at the Dudley Museum, Dundee Art Gallery, Glasgow Museum, Maidstone Museum, Paisley Museum, Sheffield Museum, the Tate, Walker Art Gallery and York Art Gallery.