About the Artist
(alias Art Eclectic)
After Pre-Diploma Course, College of Further Education, Sutton Coldfield, Chris Francis gained a Diploma in Art and Design (converted to BA [Graphic Design]) at the College of Art, Stoke-on-Trent (now Staffordshire University).
Subsequent part-time study involved adult education classes in his hometown of Birmingham and the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Lewisham and Bexley. Summer Schools included Sir John Cass College and Slade Summer School as well as a Residential course at Earnley Concourse (where he later tutored)
In 2000, Chris rented a studio in Childers Street Deptford, initially to work on individualistic ideas on figure and nude studies but also developing harbour scenes and cityscapes. He moved to a studio at Arthub, Charlton to use its printmaking facilities to explore more abstract ways of expressing himself. He now has a studio/workshop at his home in Thamesmead SE28 to create Abstract, Fantasy and Erotic Assemblages incorporating found objects and recycled items
Chris owned two campervans to travel the UK coastline painting and drawing vessel, marine and maritime structures
He tutored at Kent County Council Adult Education Sessions and did Demonstrations at Art Clubs throughout SE England plus United Society of Artists' Exhibitions. For a while Chris ran a Masterclass in Life Painting and Drawing in Waterloo, SE1
He served as President of the United Society of Artists and was a Council member at the Hesketh Hubbard Society (Federation of British Artists)
Chirs has also written articles for A+I and The Artist.