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While at the Patchings Art Festival in June 2014, I met with Professor Ken Howard OBE RA and I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to interview him about his background, his art, what inspires him, and he also shared his “pearls of wisdom” to help guide his fellow artists.

Ken was born in London and he studied at the Hornsey College of Art (1949–53) and the Royal College of Art (1955–58). In 1958 he won a British Council Scholarship to Florence. He spent his National Service in the Royal Marines (1953–55).

Official war artist to Northern Ireland

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.

The Royal Academy

In 1983 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA). In 1998 he became President of the New English Art Club, a post he held until 2003. In 1991 he was elected a Royal Academician (RA).

Painting style

Ken Howard paints in a “traditional” manner, based on strong observation and a high degree of draughtsmanship combined with tonal precision. 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, with emphasis placed on the reflection of light from puddles after rain.

Connect with Professor Ken Howard OBE RA

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