frances thomas

Paint, Print

 Hi welcome to my site.

My attic studio looks out over Dartmoor and it is inevitable that the natural beauty out there is a vital  source of inspiration.  Yet I do not see myself as a landscape artist. I tend to hone on visual details such as twig and leaf patterns against the sky or the movement in Dartmoor streams, tree shapes and rocks. Then there is the wildlife. The characterful ponies, cattle  and sheep outside our gate are irresistable to draw.  Occasionally I see deer, foxes and interesting birds. My sketchbook folder offers examples of  my own perceptions: perhaps a shell, a bleached sheep skull from the sea, a quizzical look in an animal's eye. 

I have just achieved an MA in Art History. It was all consuming for the last three years.  Hence less art work being produced and exhibited during that time.  My dissertation focussed on Alberto GIacometti during his few years with the Surrealist Movement. I was especially keen to examine his own interest in individual perception. Giacometti's note books were a revelation as to how individual the expression of personal perceptions move, change and flow with the visual language of the culture.

Now I'm back to my own art practice much refreshed by facinating insights into art history theory.  There is something quite surreal and unearthly about  the gnarled  Dartmoor trees and rocks. So I am focussing on this aspect right now.

Unless marked otherwise my work is for sale. I do not put prices on because one day it may be in a folder and another day framed. So do not hesitate to make an enquiry.