About Frances
Frances Crossan Blanchard is a contemporary artist who is a dual citizen of both Canada and Ireland.
Her cottage art studio by the sea in Spanish Point, County Clare—which has been in her family for centuries—provides a constant source of inspiration for her paintings. All her work focuses on landscape and wildlife. A strong love of place is present in all her paintings.
Frances’ graphic arts and design training at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario has influenced the storytelling aspect that finds its way through each piece she paints.
Whether the idea is sparked by a story passed down through generations, an experience she wishes to relive, or a vision of a place where she finds comfort, all her paintings have been thoroughly researched. Beyond that, the stories that are evoked from those paintings usually find their origin in chats over a pint or two with friends.
It was less than a decade ago when Frances returned to her art as she searched for more meaning, as well as a sense of belonging and peace in her life. Her full-time medicine-related career, as well as her deep love and commitment to her family, have been great passions in her life so far.
O’Neill Cottage inspires her, offering her creative, artistic breaks away from her busy life so that she can continue to paint and create.
Her preferred mediums are charcoal, as well as pen and ink. For the last decade, she has predominantly painted in acrylics, and has recently begun to explore multi-media projects. The wonderful Kenny’s Art Gallery in Lahinch, County Clare, shows and sells some of her pieces.
All the paintings you see here, on this website, are true labours of love. Each one conveys a sense of peace, as well as offers viewers a bit of an escape from their everyday worries.