Artist Profile

Artist Statement:My latest silk and new digitized media emphasize design and unusual color palettes. They incorporate all I have learned over the decades from oil/acrylic painting, various printmaking techniques and how to organize the different levels as one works through the creation, the mixing of various colors and when to apply them, etc. Over the past 2 years, I have been fortunate to have been taken under the wing of an inspiring master silk painter. I can not express my gratitude for his endless assistance.

My bio is extensive since my career has extended over too many decades. An abbreviated Resume can be provided if requested. Unfortunately, I have had to make it less public. I have always believed it isn't what you have accomplished but the work which is important. Does the work stand on its own? Does it speak to you? Does it transport you. That is the essence of my art. More images from my artistic past are on my web site: http://www.franckeart.com/.

The computer has always played a vital part in my creations. I design and choose my color palette there. Once I am satisfied, I save the areas which I want to commit to silk. Then the whole silk process begins from transferring the drawing to silk, prepping the material for the dyes which have to be made up, where and the type of resists that are needed or some other method of containing color. Sometimes stencils, silk screens, or carved blocks are used. In between various stages, steaming is required along with washing and pressing then re stretching. When the painting is completed, I am now hand rolling the edges and deciding whether they are to be hung or worn.

Below are images of painted finished works and some of the process. I must admit that this is the most difficult media I have ever sought to learn. Some computer images for works to come have also been included.

My studio is open throughout the year by appointment only. I will be at Dennis Szerszen’s Open Studio #10 for the 2022 tour. Come see what I have been doing the past 3 years. My work will be both inside and outside. Masks are requested in doors. Hope to see you, since this may be my last tour.

Please visit my blog: https://www.ocagnc.org/slow-painting-on-silk-by-louise-francke/