Marc was born in Munich and studied at the Munich Art Academy. In 1911 he formed the Blaue Reiter artist circle with Wassily Kandinsky.
His work is characterized by bright primary color, an almost cubist portrayal of animals, stark simplicity and a profound sense of emotion. This got him noticed in influential circles even in his own time. His name was on a list of notable artists to be withdrawn from combat in World War I.
Marc was killed in action in 1916 before these orders were carried out.
In October, 1998, several of Marc's paintings garnered record prices at Christie's art auction house in London.