Frances Cooley

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.
Over the last 35 years, I have built a fulfilling life in Bristol, centred around my family and my other passion, baking. Running my own cake business for nearly two decades allowed me to explore my creativity in a totally different way, address my entrepreneurial desires whilst also being able to balance the demands of family life. For the last 15 years I have been focussing on my painting, mostly in oils.
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.

Still life
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.