Edwin Penny was born in Bristol and studied at the Bath College of Art and the Royal West of England Academy. He subsequently worked as an engraver before departing for Hong Kong to study the philosophy of Far Eastern composition under a Chinese master.

His work carries an unmistakable style and is well known for its accuracy and attention to detail.

His paintings have been keenly contested in auction and he is a regular exhibitor at the Frost & Reed Gallery in London where his depiction of birds has proved extremely popular.