Born in London, Catherine Goodman studied at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and later at the Royal Academy Schools. She gained early recognition for her technical proficiency in painting and drawing, winning the BP Portrait Award in 2002 for her portrait of the artist Antony Penrose.

Her work is characterized by a vigorous, painterly approach to figurative subjects, often blending traditional portraiture with abstract, atmospheric qualities. She frequently explores themes of memory and the human form, utilizing oil paint to create layered, textured surfaces that emphasize movement and emotional depth.

In addition to her studio practice, Goodman has played a significant role in contemporary art education. She co-founded the Royal Drawing School in 2000 alongside King Charles III, an institution dedicated to the teaching of observational drawing, where she continues to influence the development of emerging artists.