Born in Salford in 1895, Paine was educated at Salford School of Art, Manchester School of Art, and the Royal College of Art, the latter from 1915-1919 being interrupted by war service. Initially designing stained glass for Guthrie and Wells in Glasgow, he subsequently became a prolific designer, most notably of posters – some of his finest work being for London Transport. He lived in Welwyn Garden City during the 1930s, later moving to Jersey where he produced watercolours that were made into postcards. He died in 1967.