Frank Palmer was born in Calgary in 1921. He didn't begin his art career until after service in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He studied at the Art Center College of Design, California, and at the Vancouver School of Art.

After several years working as an illustrator in Vancouver, Frank returned to Calgary to work as a freelance artist. From 1958 to 1981 he was an instructor of commercial and fine arts at the Alberta College of Art.

Frank was a fine watercolorist and a member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. In 1966 he became a full member of the Royal Academy of Arts. His work resides in many corporate and private collections. In the 1960s his works became more abstract. His 'Cliff' series gained hi...