Growing up in New Jersey, Kinney discovered his passion for art at Weehawken High School, winning the art award his senior year. Inspired by his father, a skilled airbrush artist in the Bronx, Kinney developed a love for graffiti.
During his undergraduate at Montlcair State University, Kinney took elective painting courses but opted not to pursue a Fine Arts degree due to concerns around financial stability. Despite lacking formal training, Kinney began selling his creative projects and hosting Paint Classes to help fund his education.
The high cost of living in the tristate area led Kinney to move to Mid-Coast Maine, where he found his artistic voice. He was granted residency at The Art Loft of Rockland, where he held multiple solo exhibitions and conducted painting classes and courses.
Returning to settle in Queens, Kinney founded On the Easel, an art event company that aims to expand into a community art center. Alongside hosting monthly events with OTE, Kinney teaches art to elementary students at The Bronx Charter School for the Arts. Kinney’s mission is to demystify the art world, making it more accessible and approachable.
He believes in helping people realize their artistic potential, highlighting the numerous benefits of art making, including the joy it brings.