Landscape painter in oil and watercolour. Educated at the Normal School and Glasgow University. Apart from a short spell of tutelage under a student of Corot's, he was self taught. As a youth he made a careful study of many great paintings, especially those in Glasgow Art Gallery. Entered his father's business but abandoned this shortly afterwards in order to paint full time.

In his unaided study Gibson revealed an affinity for the work of the great Dutch painters and for the Barbizon School, particularly Corot. Served in the Boer War with the 6th Battalion Scottish Imperial Yeomanry. His first exhibits were an oil and a watercolour at the Glasgow Institute in 1888. Throughout his life he was a keen member of the Glasgow Art Club. His paintings were characterised by great technical skill and subtle use of colour harmonies.