Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Paula Rego studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where she became associated with the London Group. Her early career was marked by an experimental approach to abstraction, which gradually transitioned into the figurative, narrative-driven style that defined her later practice.

Rego is best known for her mastery of pastels, which she favored for their tactile quality in depicting complex, often unsettling psychological scenes. Her work frequently incorporates elements of Portuguese folklore and literature, reinterpreting traditional stories through a feminist lens to examine power dynamics, family, and social structures.

Throughout her career, Rego received significant international acclaim, including being named the first artist-in-residence at the National Gallery in London. Her legacy remains central to contemporary figurative art, with her works held in major museum collections worldwide, reflecting her status as a pivotal figure in 20th and 21st-century art.