Paul Powis began his art training at the Birmingham College of Art and Design, studying for a Foundation in Art and Design between 1968-69. He then went on to study at Portsmouth Polytechnic, gaining a BA Hons in Fine Art in 1973. On finishing his training as an abstract painter, Paul began lecturing, which he has continued both in London and the provinces over the last 25 years. Since 1988, he has been Senior Lecturer in Drawing & Painting at the University of Central England.