Printmaker, painter, and digital artist Fred Holle was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1931. His art education began at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, then on to Arizona State College from 1950 to 1952, when he left school to enlist in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps (1952 - 1956). Upon completion of duty he enrolled at San Diego State College, where he earned his BA in 1958 and his MA in 1960. 

Holle was heavily involved with the late 1950s Abstract Expressionism scene of Southern California, often collaborating with other artists to establish the southern half of California's coast as a respected destination for contemporary artists, gallerists, and collectors - despite much of its reputation as being conservative and uninterested in Modern art movements. He worked at the La Jolla Art Center as both an artist and educator from 1958 to 1964. It was at this time he began delving into figurative works. He produced a number of drawings in a style he referred to as "Steppenwolf," gestural yet with his signature, expert draftsmanship. In 1968 he took a part time job at College of San Mateo in Northern California; he remained a resident of Northern California, eventually relocating to Redwood City and becoming Professor Emeritus of Art at Cañada College. 

The most recent major chapter in Holle's art career was a turn toward digital art, continuing his passion for drawing using Wacom pads and Stylus. He continues to live and work in Redwood City, California, and has exhibited as recently as 2015, participating in "In the Abstract: MidCentury San Diego Painting and Sculpture", Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA.