Graham Brinsley was born in 1963 and raised both in Dunedin and Invercargill.

The southern scenery was an endless inspiration for his painting from an early age. After schooling at Southland Boys High, he began a BA at Otago University, painting in the evenings and holidays. By the third year art won over the studies, and he has painted full time ever since. Most years he paints around Europe, more recently exhibiting in Ireland.