Graham was born in 1963. From Dunedin, he was educated at John McGlashan College and Southland Boys' High School, later supporting himself by painting, while studying for a BA at Otago University. After his third year, he decided it had to be one or the other, so he painted full time, which he has ever since.

Graham lives near Arrowtown with his wife and three children in historic 'Old Doctors House', originally the Arrowtown Hospital, where he has a studio. Graham travels to Europe every year to paint, but is most at home in his native mountains and bush.