Blake studied at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and Goldsmiths before embarking on a career as a commercial artist. He is known for his love of boats and the coast, which is more often than not, translated into his subject matter. He was unusual in his use of clay-covered paper, which enabled him to create more textural paintings.
 
He was a member of the London Sketch Club and Chelsea Arts Club and exhibited widely.