Ken Howard: A Celebrated Figure in the Realm of Oil Painting

Ken Howard (1932-2022), a British painter and teacher, has won wide acclaim in the art world for his clever use of light and his mastery of interior depictions. He was born in London and has spent his entire life there, partnered with fellow artist Christa Gaa.

Howard’s artistic career began in 1949 when he attended Hornsey School of Art, then served in the Royal Marines, and continued his studies at the Royal College of Art from 1955 to 1958. In 1958, he received a British Council scholarship to study in Florence.

Howard’s first solo exhibition was held at Plymouth Art Centre in 1955, showcasing his early artistic explorations. He subsequently held several solo exhibitions at the John Whibley Gallery in London, and especially with the New Grafton Gallery in the early 1970s, further establishing his position in the British art world. In 1972, Plymouth City Art Gallery held a retrospective for him, which fully displayed the achievements of his artistic career.

Between 1973 and 1979, Howard was appointed as the official artist of Northern Ireland by the Imperial War Museum. This experience made his works more integrated with the themes of war and peace. He also worked with the British army in Germany, Cyprus, Oman, Hong Kong, Nepal, Norway, Canada, Belize and Brunei, and created a large number of works for the British army in these regions. His artistic footprints are all over the world, and his works are collected by many provincial art galleries in the UK, such as the Imperial War Museum, Plymouth City Art Gallery, and the National Army Museum.

Howard has won many honors and awards in his artistic career. In 1962, he was elected a member of the New British Art Club, and then became a member of the Royal Society of Oil Painters in 1966. In 1979, he joined the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolors and became a member of the Royal West of England Academy in 1981. His artistic achievements have been continuously recognized. In 1988 he was elected an honorary member of the Royal Society of British Artists, in 1991 he was elected a Royal Academician, and in 1998 he was elected Chairman of the New British Art Club.

Ken Howard, an English painter, was born in London. His passion for art was ignited at a young age and would go on to shape his entire life.

Howard’s learning journey in art was extensive. He studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, one of the most prestigious art institutions in the United Kingdom. Here, he was exposed to a wide range of artistic disciplines and received guidance from accomplished tutors. This educational experience provided him with a solid foundation in traditional painting techniques and also encouraged him to experiment and develop his own unique style.

In terms of his painting technique, Howard is highly regarded for his masterful handling of light and atmosphere. He often uses a combination of broad and fine brushstrokes. His broad strokes are used to establish the general composition and capture the essence of the scene, while the fine strokes are employed to add intricate details. He pays great attention to the play of light, using it to create a sense of depth and to bring his subjects to life. His palette is rich and diverse, with a particular emphasis on capturing the nuances of color in different lighting conditions. For example, in his landscape paintings, he can depict the soft glow of a sunrise or the muted tones of a cloudy day with great precision.

Howard’s achievements are numerous. His works have been widely exhibited in galleries and museums across the UK and abroad. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art of painting. His paintings are highly sought after by collectors, and his art has been a source of inspiration for many aspiring artists. He has also been actively involved in teaching and mentoring, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. Through his work, he has helped to maintain and promote the traditions of representational painting, while also adding his own contemporary touch. Ken Howard’s artistry and dedication have firmly established him as a significant and influential figure in the world of oil painting.