Martin Shire was born in Waltham Quebec and now makes his home in Victoria, BC. He studied at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario and graduated with a diploma from their Illustration program. He spent his formative years doing extensive illustration and studio work in Montreal before moving to Toronto where he painted amenity maps extensively in the commercial real estate sector. Before he became an artist, he worked in different hotels, and was appointed an assistant manager of the Ascot Inn in Toronto. Initially Shire thought he couldn't make a living out of it, but knew he wanted to be an artist in high school. He started using inks and watercolors, graduating to computer stylus and then to oils acrylic and paint. His career in the arts started when he did editorial cartoons for local papers and he got to do layout as well. Shire is also a musician, he composes his own music and plays keyboard.
Matisse, Braque, Picasso and other art that uses powerful colors and shapes is inspiration to Shire. In 2007 he moved to Victoria and began developing his fine art skills and also began his long trek as a fine artist. His primary landmarks are vivid strong colors and his recognizable style that has caught a growing number of supporters and patrons. He likes to return regularly to his cottage in western Quebec on the Ottawa River that has inspired him for many years. He says that what he feels is his greatest strength in art is drawing, color and creating new imagery.
