Mark Shields was born in 1963 and studied at the University of Ulster where he completed a BA in Fine Art and a PGCE in Art and Design. He is represented by the Grosvenor Gallery, London and currently lives and works near Belfast Mark Shields’ works can be found in numerous collections including the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum, and the National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland.  His portrait of Mary Robinson is on view at the National Gallery of Ireland, as is the portrait of the Prince of Wales which hangs in the headquarters of the Royal Ghurkha Regiment.