Frances James

“I enjoy painting from life, to capture the spontaneity of the moment”

Frances was born in Essex, England. Her father was a talented sketch artist and encouraged drawing in the home. She later attended Canterbury College of Art in Kent, attaining her National Diploma in Design. Upon graduation, Frances took her skills to London where she worked for an advertising agency. Following that, she moved to the south coast of England, employed as a window display artist.

Following her marriage, she moved to Canada in 1967 and landed in the center of a stimulating artistic environment. Her husband, Alec, was one of the lead designers of Victoria’s Provincial Museum (now the Royal British Columbia Museum), which was at the time on the forefront of museum design. The artist Flemming Jorgensen became a good friend.

Over the years, James’ work was made available at the original Winchester Galleries, the Side Street Studio, and through Art Rental and Sales at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She participated in the Art Gallery’s Moss Street Paint-In on two occasions and, in 1998, was featured in a two-person show with Sylvia Tebbutt at the Martin Batchelor Gallery.

With the encouragement of art writer Robert Amos, James recently decided to present a retrospective look at her painting activity. More than 35 works from throughout her career will be on show at Goward House. (Some images can be seen to the left.)

The Artist’s Work

Frances James creates paintings exclusively before her subject – not from photographs. They have an unmistakable verve and freshness. Flowers growing in gardens, or blossoms seen in a domestic environment come alive, with vivacious brushwork and richly-toned colour choices. Her watercolours embody a confident freshness in every brush stroke.