Ian Kinnear graduated in Drawing and Painting from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 1965.

He was awarded a David Murray Studentship from the Royal Academy Schools in London, affording him an extended time to explore landscape painting in Barra in the Western Isles. 

Running parallel with an Art teaching career, Ian established his studio in the Scottish Highlands, working mainly in ceramics, but always including painting as part of his practice. A move to Angus in 1988 allowed Ian to give up teaching, and concentrate on his own work in what is still his studio in Oathlaw. 

Current practice is centred solely on painting.

Ian has work, both in ceramics and painting, held in public and private collections.