Artist Biography

Ken Howard RA NEAC OBE was born in London 1932 & died in September 2022. First of all he studied at the Hornsey College of Art (1949–53) and the Royal College of Art (1955–58). Also in 1958 he won a British Council Scholarship to Florence.

Subsequently in 1973 and 1978 he was the Official War Artist to Northern Ireland. And 1973–80 worked in various locations, including Hong Kong, Cyprus and Canada with the British Army. In 1983 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA). Furthermore in 1984 he became a member of the Royal Academy, and in 1988 President of the New English Art Club. However in 1991 he was elected a Royal Academician (RA).

Painting Style

Ken Howard RA NEAC OBE paints in a “traditional” manner, based on strong observation and a high degree of draughtsmanship combined with tonal precision. However the depiction of light is a strong and recurrent element of his work. A notable theme is the nude model in his studio. Another theme is a city scene, such as Venice, or Amsterdam with emphasis placed on capturing the essence & light of the city.

Artist Statement

“ I was brought up in London surrounded by railway yards and factories. This has very much influenced the use of horizontal and vertical structures and lines in my work. I am not a landscape painter, but rather a vertical horizontal and linear painter, which is why I have a passion for the lines that occur within my studios, and include them in my paintings. When I study a model, I think of that figure not in rhythmical terms. But in vertical or horizontal positions and planes.”

Collections Held

His paintings are held in private and public collections including the National Army Museum. Guildhall Art Gallery, Ulster Museum and Imperial War Museum.