A passionate painter, his work is known for its combination of vibrant colour and spontaneity of brush mark. McNeish studied painting at the Edinburgh College of art 1952-1957, upon leaving he quickly established himself as a leading Scottish artist. Like many Scottish artists he headed south securing a teaching position at Wolverhampton College of Art and then from 1965 as Head of painting at Exeter College of Art a position which he held for 15 years.