After receiving a gold medal from the National Scholastic Art Awards in 1975, Paul attended Boston University School of Fine Arts.
Contrary to the trends of that time, Boston University provided an educational foundation that emphasized the fundamentals of classical art training: anatomy and form, color, composition and draftsmanship.
His professors included Joseph Ablow, David Aronson, and John Wilson.
He received his BFA degree in painting in 1979.