Carmichael began his training as an architect in Dundee, whilst attending evening art classes at the studio of Peter D. Lauder. Aged 19 he moved to London where he worked for the publishing firm Alexander Strachan & Co. Between 1888 and 1891 Carmichael travelled and studied in Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and Sienna before returning to Dundee. (http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/163345269277/the-artists-wife-susan-gillis-c1910-stewart)