Francette Wagstaff

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My vocation as an artist began in 1995 when I embarked on a two year General Art and Design course at York College of Arts and Technology. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for colour and started to look at my surroundings and the landscape as a subject matter.

The Diploma I received gained me a place on the Fine Art Degree course in Brighton. There then followed 3 years of work which was inspired by the rolling South Downs landscape. I became fascinated with the way in which landscape is divided up into shapes and forms. Fields and farmland, moor land and hills, all portioned up and encased with fences, hedge rows and walls. In total contrast my eye was drawn to the weathered buildings and structures snaking along the seafront. Peeling paint in muted colours, worn away lettering and scatterings of rust, in a strange way I found these forms gave me the feeling of nutrition and fulfilment which I would liken to a sumptuous feast. To this day, I find the sight of peeling paint mouth watering!

There then followed a period of extensive travel which is recorded with numerous sketch books and photographs. Moving to Devon, my career was peppered with a variety of pursuits including working as a free lance photographer and training as a picture framer.

Now settled in Exmouth where I have been for the last 16 years, I am raising a family and have reverted back to my true passion for painting and illustration. Over the years I have sold my work through local galleries and been commissioned for paintings and illustrations, all of which have been totally different in their subject matter.

I have a desire to create and paint. My work is inspired by the glory around me. The miracle of nature, its colours, forms and texture. I am constantly amazed by the changes in seasons and how this then changes light and colour. From the most delicate petal to the power and force of the sea, this never ending beauty gives us such joy and delight but can destroy us in the blink of an eye.

My work attempts to capture moments. Life’s snap shot images which live in us forever. Hopefully my paintings bring the senses to the forefront.

Francette

Commissions accepted. Please contact me for prices etc.