Ken Howard was born in London. He studied at the Hornsey College of Art (1949–53) and the Royal College of Art (1955–58). In 1958 he won a British Council Scholarship to Florence. He spent his National Service in the Royal Marines (1953–55). In 1973 and 1978 he was the Official War Artist to Northern Ireland, and 1973–80 worked in various locations, including Hong Kong, Cyprus and Canada with the British Army. In 1983 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA). In 1984 he became a member of the Royal Academy, and in 1988 President of the New English Art Club. In 1991 he was elected a Royal Academician (RA).

He paints in a "traditional" manner, based on strong observation and a high degree of draughtsmanship combined with tonal precision. The depiction of light is a strong and recurrent element of his work. A notable theme is the nude model in his studio. Another theme is a city scene, such as Venice, with emphasis placed on the reflection of light from puddles after rain. He has said:

His work is in public collections including the National Army Museum, Guildhall Art Gallery, Ulster Museum and Imperial War Museum.

Howard was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours.

Howard has won various prizes including:

• 1996 Lord Mayor’s Art Award (first prize)
• 1978 John Moores Exhibition in Liverpool
• 1979 John Laing Competition
• 1982 Hunting Group Awards (first prize)
• 1983 RWA
• 1985 Critics Prize at Sparkasse Karlsruhe
• 1986 NEAC Centenary Award

(with date of election)

• New English Art Club (1962)
• Royal Institute of Oil Painters (1966)
• Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours (1979)
• Royal West of England Academy (1981)
• Royal Society of British Artists Honorary Member (1988)
• Royal Academy Royal Academician (1991)
• New English Art Club President (1998)