Portrait artist John A. Blakey was born in Leeds but considers Spain, where he lived for a number of years, and Ireland, where his father was originally from, to be homes away from home. Blakey lectured in English and Communications at Harrogate College of Art and Technology for ten years before leaving his post to paint full time, opening a studio in North Yorkshire.

​

His work has taken him all over the world, from Siberia, where he was invited to design costumes for the opera; to Mombasssa in Kenya, and to Costa Rica for private commissions. He has received commissions for his life-like portraits from numerous celebrities such as Michael Caine and a number of royal families around the world.