Paul Coney was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1957. He came to New Zealand with his parents at age five, was educated at St. Peter's School, Cambridge, and then moved to Dunedin.

Paul did not paint seriously until aged 20 and is entirely self taught. He first attracted public recognition in 1987 when he was chosen as the official artist for the America's Cup Challenge by the sponsors B.N.Z. Uninhibited by art school conventions his approach to his painting is refreshingly original. His range of subject is wide, encompassing people, especially children, land and seascapes along with his preoccupation with flowers.

With all subjects Paul Coney achieves a transparent effect with oil by first establishing a loose ground with a primary wet-on-wet wash. He then builds on the initial wash paying close attention to light, textures and above all, colour, as he believes this is one of the major factors in bringing a painting to life whilst retaining the freshness and spontaneity which are so characteristic of the oil medium.

His amazing technique brings together the natural combination of his subjects in oil to express in delicate, exquisite detail the very essence of their beauty. For example, when choosing a floral subject Paul says "nature does it for me, every garden has a thousand pictures. The challenge is to capture a particular flower at its most dramatic moment."

Living in the Bay of Plenty, Paul Coney's works are ranked with the very best floral painters in the world. His works are sought by discerning collectors worldwide.