Hannah Clarke Preston MacGoun was a Scottish artist known for her watercolor paintings and floral studies. Born in Edinburgh in 1864, she grew up in an era that saw the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement and the recognition of Scottish artists within the broader context of British art. MacGoun was part of the Edinburgh Ladies' Art Club and exhibited her work there, as well as at the Royal Scottish Academy.
MacGoun's work primarily consisted of delicate watercolor paintings that often featured botanical subjects, including flowers and gardens. She was noted for her ability to capture the subtleties of light and color, which lent a particular softness and vibrancy to her compositions. As a woman artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, MacGoun faced the societal challenges of her time, where the art world was predominantly male-dominated.
Despite these challenges, she managed to gain recognition and exhibit her work alongside her male counterparts. Her exhibitions were not limited to Scotland; she also showed her paintings in London and possibly internationally. MacGoun's life was cut short when she passed away in 1913, at the age of 49. Although not as widely known today as some of her contemporaries, her contributions to Scottish art during her lifetime were significant, and her paintings continue to be appreciated for their beauty and technical skill.