ABOUT
“When I grow up, I want to be an artist” Aged 7
I have dedicated my lifetime to my interest in graphic designs, illustrations, drawings, and paintings. I was inspired by my creative upbringing with architect and graphic print designer parents, who instilled in me a passion for daily drawing.
In 1984, I achieved a degree in Art & Design, which provided a solid foundation for my artistic pursuits. As a young adult, my interest took me around the globe, including a memorable year spent in Hong Kong, where I had the privilege of working alongside the esteemed Henry Steiner, as a graphic designer.
Studying the human figure is at the foundation for much of my drawings and in the last five years I have applied myself to portraiture. I have aimed to perfect my work by attending classes at the Mall Galleries (home to the Federation of British Artists) with renowned artists as well as workshops with the highly sought after portrait artist, Andrew James.
En-plein-air, I enjoy working with the changing light of the outdoors as I love the beauty of the natural world. Working quickly is necessary to capture the magical moments of the changing landscape, the light, the shadows. I strive to find beauty in the ordinary, appreciating the little details that often go unnoticed.
More recently, I have perfected my love of still life. I aim to capture that first moment that attracted me to the subject whether that be the light, the vibrancy of colour or the abstract shapes and movement. I let myself go and use more movement in my strokes and also bring in graphic symbols to enhance the composition.
My studio is filled with canvases that tell stories of moments frozen in time – each stroke a reflection of my passion for capturing the beauty that surrounds us, whether that’s the grandeur of nature or the simplicity of everyday objects.
SHOWS
West Bristol Arts Trail
12 - 13th October 2024
20 Cliftonwood Road
BS8 4TU
The Corsham Gallery
3rd - 31st July 2024
15 Martingate
Corsham, SN13 0HL
Ayot St Lawrence
Palladian Church
Ayot St. Lawrence
Hertfordshire AL6 9BZ
Patchings Art Fest
Patchings Art Centre
Oxton Rd, Calverton
NG14 6NU
COMMISSION YOUR PORTRAIT
I get a thrill from painting portraits, reacting to the person in front of me. This is normally quick to start with because I believe you can get a good grasp of someone within the first few minutes of meeting them. I find it fascinating portraying this feeling. Because this is such an immediate reaction I like to work quickly to start with and as the painting progresses I carefully follow the contours, the changing tones and use colours to create, light and volume.
I work from life, photographs and imagination in oils on canvas or board for small portraits. The following sizes and prices are a guideline and can be adjusted to your preferences. Each one is mounted on a wooden block or mounted in a floater frame, all made from wood and painted white. Bespoke frames can be arranged at an extra cost.
This is a rough fee-guide for a single portrait. Other sizes are available. Frame, travel, accommodation expenses are not included. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure the commission.
Small 18x13cm £200
Medium 40x50cm £550
Large 50x70cm £900
Extra large 70x100cm £2,000
ACHEIVEMENTS
FRANCES COOLEY - CURRICULUM VITAE ART EDUCATION
1981 - 1985 BA (Hons) Graphics and illustration, Brighton School of Art
2001 - 2005 Four years of life drawing and oil painting course at the RWA Bristol 2019 Mall galleries course in portraiture with, Tim Benson
2019 Mall galleries course in portraiture with, Daniel Shadbolt
2019, 2022, 2023 Course in Portraiture with Andrew James
2018 Course in En-plein-air with Julia Hawkins, London
2018 Course in En-plein-air, Haidee-Jo summers, Old Bank Studios Harwich 2023 Course in portraiture, Ruth Fitton, Studio Leeds
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2022 A spot of colour Frances’ Studio, Clifton, Bristol 2022 Biosphere Oil and Oak Gallery, Hay-on-Wye 2019 Light in Nature Cass Art Bristol
2017 Lisa Elliot, Florist, Clifton, Bristol
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITION
2023 The Corsham Gallery
2023 Summertide Brocobar Art, Paintworks, Bristol 2023 Grassroots The Guild, Bristol 2023
2022 ROI Annual Exhibition The Mall Galleries, London 2022 The Corsham Gallery
2022 Clifton Arts Exhibition Victoria Methodist Church Bristol 2022 Art Show Ayot St Lawrence
2022 Feast The Malago
2020 Munch The Malago,
2019 Moreton Gallery, Cotswold
2019 Makers Gallery, Bristol
2019 Open Walls Cass Art Bristol
2019 The New Gallery, Potscatho, Cornwall 2018 Annual Open Exhibition RWA, Bristol 2018 The New Gallery, Potscatho, Cornwall
West Bristol Arts Trail, 2017, 2018, 2019. 2020 2022
Bath Contemporary Arts Fair, 2018, 2019, 2023
The Other Art Fair, Temple Meads, Bristol 2018
MEMBERSHIPS AND WEBSITES
The Royal Institute of Oil painters, Mall Galleries, London RWA Bristol
PRIZES:
Teravana Gallery, talent award for the portrait of a "Girl in Portishead"