He entered the Royal Academy School in 1775, and exhibited in London, including at the Royal Academy from that date. He was influenced by the work of George Stubbs, and Sawrey Gilpin. Later in life he lived and worked in Derby, Leicestershire, Chester and finally Liverpool where he died in 1812. John Boultbee usually signed with initials, and dated his paintings. Some paintings by Artist John Boultbee include: