Donald McIntyre was born in Leeds in 1923 of Scottish parents, and spent his childhood years in the west of Scotland. He studied painting under James Wright RSW developing a palette of the Scottish Colourist tradition at Garelochhead. Qualifying as a dentist in Glasgow, he served in the army and then worked for the school services. In the late 1940’s McIntyre moved to North Wales and at the age of 40 he left dentistry to make a living as a full time painter.  He was a member of the Pastel Society, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Royal Cambrian Academy.

He  exhibited widely in London, Scotland, Wales and Europe and his work can be found in many public and private collections including The National Library of Wales, Newport Art Gallery, Welsh Arts Council, Welsh Contemporary Arts Society and Kirkaldy Museum and Art Gallery.

He died in 2009.