Artist Gallery
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Lura Francis |
"I love painting with watercolors. They can be used so differently depending on the subject matter and mood," says Lura. "I work quickly, wet paint onto the wet surface of the paper, intuitively after carefully planning and drawing, sometimes just in my head. Color, design, and composition are important elements of my work, but to me, my paintings have to sing."
Lura has settled in Murphys, California in a house and garden she designed. Her subject matter now is drawn from the things she finds in her garden. "The color and forms of the flowers, details in the shadows, the pots, rock steps and garden tools, a bird’s abandoned nest in my tree, or my cat sleeping in a basket provide endless subject matter."
Francis studied art at Stanford University and the University of Pacific, earning BA and MA degrees. She won the Award of Excellence given by the University of Pacific to the outstanding alumnus for exceptional performance in the field of art, for her watercolor paintings as well as her teaching. Lura's work has brought more that 50 awards, including competitions at the Palace of Fine Arts, the E.B. Crocker Museum, and the Haggin Museum, with a Best of Show at the California State Fair, and First Place in watercolor at the De Young Museum.
Lura says, "teaching is my second love after painting. I really enjoy sharing my skills and the excitement of the watercolor medium with my students."
The Main Street Gallery in Murphys, California, represents Lura.
  Abandoned |
 Waiting for Spring |
 Sierra Meadow |
 Alet les Bains |
All
images copyright © Lura Francis - All rights reserved