The artist, Brian Hatton, completed a number of portrailts of his sisters, Marjorie and Ailsa Hatton. This oil painting, 'Playing draughts - the artist's sisters,' was completed in 1908. In June of that year, having spent a few months in London, learning how to model with clay, the artist returned home to Mount Craig where he set up a studio in the coach house. This painting was created during those summer months of 1908. The two sisters are painted as if within a pool of golden light. This might have been created by the type of lighting used at that time, oil or gas lamps, but it is also possible that this golden light captured a moment in time, the harmony, comfort and prosperity of the family home. This was the last summer that they were all together at Mount Craig, The following year, in July 1909, the mother, Amelia Hatton, died.