Kay Johns - Black Background

Kay Johns is a British artist celebrated for her distinctive equestrian and wildlife paintings that combine technical precision with expressive personality. Working primarily in oils and pastels, she creates both highly realistic animal portraits and more whimsical, character-driven compositions. Based in rural Lincolnshire, Kay is entirely self-taught, developing her craft over decades of dedicated studio practice. Her work reflects a lifelong connection to the countryside and the animals that inhabit it.

Born in Hertfordshire in 1964, Kay was surrounded by animals from an early age-an experience that sparked both a deep affection for nature and a desire to draw. Though she did not pursue formal art school training, her early years were filled with sketching, observation, and a growing commitment to refining her technical skills. She began her creative career working as an illustrator, where she developed a strong foundation in draftsmanship and anatomy. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping her fine art practice, particularly her attention to form and expression.

Kay's paintings are characterised by a sensitive rendering of animals, whether she is capturing the muscular elegance of a horse, the keen intelligence of a hound, or the gentle presence of woodland wildlife. Her well-known "dark background" series features animals set against deep, tonal backdrops, drawing the viewer's eye to the fine detail of the subject's coat, posture, and expression. These works are often dramatic and elegant, elevating animal portraiture into something timeless and contemplative.

In contrast, her "quirky" collection embraces humour and imagination. These paintings present animals such as foxes, hares, and owls dressed in bow ties, hats, and scarves-imbued with personality and a touch of storytelling. While playful, these works still demonstrate Kay's precise understanding of anatomy and form, offering charm without compromising technical quality.

Kay is also the founder and creative director of The Event Gallery, an independent gallery space through which she curates and sells her own work. This venture includes not only original paintings but also limited edition prints, homeware, and fine art gifts. The gallery has helped her build a loyal collector base across the UK and abroad, and serves as a platform for expanding her creative vision into new formats and audiences.

Her work has been widely exhibited at key country lifestyle and equestrian events including Badminton Horse Trials, The Horse of the Year Show, Burghley, and Blenheim Palace. She has also shown in galleries throughout the UK and has undertaken numerous private commissions, particularly for clients within the equestrian community. Her paintings are held in private collections both nationally and internationally.

Kay's ability to combine anatomical accuracy with character and emotion has made her work appealing to a wide range of collectors-from lovers of traditional sporting art to those seeking contemporary, feel-good imagery with a rural twist. Her style sits comfortably between fine art and illustration, often bringing a sense of storytelling to the traditionally reserved genre of animal portraiture.

Now working from her home studio in the Lincolnshire countryside, Kay continues to explore new ways of depicting animals with clarity, emotion, and originality. Whether portraying a noble hunter or a hare with a mischievous grin, her paintings reveal a deep understanding of her subjects and a profound appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.