Born in 1958, Mark Beaven studied painting at Chelsea and Camberwell colleges of Art, London (1977-81). He worked as a full time mural artist in Lambeth, as part of the Manpower Services Enterprise Scheme, producing Murals in public areas such as The South Bank University and St. Thomas Hospital (1982-3).

During the 1980's his paintings became non-figurative, exploring motifs based on a tattered garment inspired by a tunic seen in Assisi, which was purportedly worn by St. Francis. (Please see Archive). Throughout this time Mark also taught art at various London colleges, and continued to exhibit in commercial galleries and public exhibitions.

In 1991, after becoming increasingly interested in graphic means of expression, he returned to Camberwell college to complete a master's degree in Fine Art Printmaking (1991-3). During this period he developed his artistic practice in etching, lithography and screen printing.

In 1994 Mark relocated to Nottingham, where he presently lives with his family. After having decided to concentrate primarily on figure and portrait painting, he continues to work in the realist tradition and is concerned with expressing ideas and emotions through the human form.