Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Francis Sills. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Francis , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I knew I wanted to focus on Art from an early age. I was the kid that was always drawing and making things in grade school. I found it very soothing to make art, something that I was good at and came naturally. It also allowed me to live in my own imaginative world, and gave me focus. In college I had some very good teachers and examples of professional artists, and it gave me the confidence that it could be something to make a life’s work out of. Many hours were spent strengthening my skills and learning as much as I could about painting and drawing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I mostly make oil paintings now, with tangents into drawing and collage. I show my work in exhibitions and in galleries, which lead to sales. I would loosely describe my work as based in the landscape tradition, using observation and perception as a starting point. In the last 4-5 years the work has gotten more colorful and the forms more abstract, but there is always something that I’m looking at for my initial inspiration. Floral motifs and garden scenes have been holding my interest lately and it seems like an inexhaustible source of delight for me. I’ve been most proud of the moments when I get to see a large body of my work together in the same room, either for an exhibition or a solo show. The paintings tend to dialog with each other and it is something that usually happens without my control or intention. I think that what sets my work apart from other painters in the landscape genre is my focus on the abstract qualities of the scene and a boldness of color.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Artists need community to thrive. Cities and towns need to foster artists through affordable work and studio spaces. In general, artists need to sell their work, so everyone should try to buy at least one piece of original art a year by a local artist!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Time alone to work on my craft. Thinking and striving to make better paintings. I also get to make my own hours and be my own boss

Contact Info:

• Website: www.francissills.com
• Instagram: @francissills

Image Credits
portrait of the artist by MCG photography