8” x 16” Encaustic on Panel 2024

Born in Calgary in 1956, Mark Holliday's family moved to England when he was five years old. Most of his youth was spent in the English Lake District, which is famous for its profound beauty. Although after leaving school he maintained a career as a welder Holliday often acknowledged his artistic urges by periodically sketching and painting animals and buildings.

In 1984, taking advantage of his Canadian citizenship and looking for a challenging experience, he returned to Calgary. Working as an Industrial pipe fitter for the next few years Holliday began to ponder an odd career change. By 1990 he had quit his job and was enrolled in a fine arts course at the Alberta College of Art and Design.

Graduating with honors in 1994 Holliday was also one of the founding members of Untitled Art Society. In recent years he has become recognized as an accomplished painter, his work offering an unusual approach to traditional landscape painting.