Kuhfeld is the only child of a German prisoner of war and an English classical pianist. Between 1972-76 he studied at Leicester School of Art. He worked from 1976-1978 at Rugby School of Art, where he gave lessons in drawing and painting, before securing a place at the prestigious Royal Academy School of Art. During 1977-80 Kuhfeld studied under the painter Peter Greenham CBE, RA. In 1978 he was created a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Painters.