Paulette McKoy | Artist Biography
Paulette McKoy is an abstract artist from Manchester, now living in London. She creates layered mixed-media paintings full of colour, texture, and movement. Inspired by the natural world—its surfaces, atmosphere, and energy—her work transforms these observations into original paintings for contemporary spaces that invite reflection, connection, and a sense of calm.
With a background in fashion and dance, Paulette's creative journey began in design before evolving into painting, where she discovered a more intuitive and expressive visual language. Working instinctively with acrylic, mixed media, and richly layered textures, she allows each painting to evolve organically, responding to the materials and marks as they emerge rather than following a predetermined composition. Music is integral to her studio practice, influencing the rhythm, energy, and physicality of each work, creating paintings that feel both spontaneous and deeply considered.
Paulette has exhibited across the UK in both solo and group exhibitions, including at the Royal Academy of Dance. In 2019, she was commissioned to create original artwork for the Royal Exchange Theatre's production of Rockets and Blue Lights, marking an important milestone in her career. In 2025, she was selected to exhibit at The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, further expanding the international reach of her practice. Her work has also been exhibited in Santa Monica, California, and is held in private collections in the UK and internationally.
Through exhibitions, commissions, and creative collaborations, Paulette continues to develop a body of work that celebrates the emotional and restorative qualities of abstraction. Rich in layered surfaces and expressive mark-making, her paintings encourage moments of stillness, curiosity, and personal reflection, inviting each viewer to discover their own connection within the work. Created to be experienced as much as seen, they bring depth, warmth, and a quiet sense of presence to contemporary spaces.
"Her work is beautiful — showing great creativity as well as a deep understanding of space. Paulette is dedicated, easy to work with, and brings excellent taste and artistic vision to everything she does."
— Christina Warren, Nesta London