DF

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I've been making art for as long as I can remember. Both my mother and aunt were quite accomplished artists so I was blessed with wonderful examples. My mother had a freelance art and photography business that I had hoped to share with her. Unfortunately, while I was working on my Studio Arts and Art History degree at the University of Minnesota, she passed away after a brief illness. Not confident enough to fill her shoes, my life took a different turn and I spent nearly three decades teaching public school; all the while dabbling, however not concentrating on my art. I've recently made the change to refocus on my first passion.

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I would consider my style to generally be a combination of realism and impressionism, though I also enjoy trying out different styles from time to time with varying results. My favorite mediums are graphite, charcoal, and pastels, but I also like to paint using acrylics, gouache, and occasionally watercolor.

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My other interests include spending time with my daughter and grandson, snuggling with my furry family members (of which there are many), making music, singing karaoke, foraging for wild mushrooms, and motorcycling...I like road trips and the wide open spaces of the countryside. I volunteer with various organizations; mostly at the James Ballentine VFW in Minneapolis; where I am a member of the Auxiliary, as well as singing with Alive & Kickin MN. Additionally, I have a "Love-Hate" relationship with political issues. Any and all of these influences have a way of finding themselves in my work in one way or another...for better or worse.

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DFrancisco:Artist