A painter of plein-air landscapes and portraits, J. Muir Auld was also 'well-known' for his contribution of black and white illustrations to the Sydney Mail and Bulletin. He trained at the J. S. Watkins School and Julian Ashton School before living overseas for two years. Spending most of this time in London, Auld studied Constable, Steer and Turner as well as contributing his work to various magazines.

Returning to Australia ca.1911, Auld settled in Dee Why (New South Wales) and subsequently joined the advertsing firm of Smith and Julius. The winner of the Wynne prize with his painting Winter Morning, Auld also held a number of solo exhibitions at the Macquarie Galleries.

After suffering with poor health for some time Auld died of tuberculosis in 1942.