Though Paul Kavanagh was accepted into art school, he opted instead to do a degree in History and Education. Taking art classes in his free time, Kavanagh decided to study art seriously after his decision to become a full-time painter. Kavanagh studied with Fred Cuming, who helped him develop his style through use of color and development of narrative, lessons that Kavanagh still uses in his paintings today. In the 1970s and 1980s, Kavanagh developed a relationship with two galleries in Kent, which led to commissions for Thomas Howell Kiewit in London and C.T.I. in Dusseldorf. During this time, Kavanagh also had his work featured in many exhibitions and one-man shows.

Kavanagh’s travels have been a large influence on his art. He frequently travels to Paris, where he is inspired by the architecture and the people. Kavanagh believes that the background of a painting is just as important as the figures, a belief that is evident in his carefully rendered street scenes.