Arthur Lismer was born June 27, 1885 in Sheffield (United Kingdom).

He settled in Toronto, Ontario and took a job with Grip - a commercial design company. The collaboration of four artists at Grip gradually evolved into the "Group of Seven", a famous Canadian art movement known for its portrayals of North American wilderness. Another artist also associated with the group was Tom Thomson, although technically he died before the group formed. He also worked with the cadre at Grip.

Arthur Lismer's style was influenced by his pre-Canadian experience (primarily in Antwerp) where he found the Barbizon and post-impressionist movements a key inspiration.

Collaborating with the group of artists who would, in 1919, become the Group of Seven, Lismer exhibits the characteristic organic style, and spiritual connection with the landscape that would embody that group's work.

During the Centennial of the City of Toronto, in 1921, Lismer was on the Pictures Committee. In 1967 he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Arthur Lismer died March 23, 1969.