About the Artist

Fran Hessler's love of art began when she was just four or five years old. She spent her childhood drawing and painting, continuing her practice through several years of college.  During the busiest times,  she may have only had time to do small works like birthday cards and thank you notes for friends and family.  

After college, Fran's career led her away from a dedicated art practice. For many years, her work and raising a family became her primary focus.  Once her children were grown and she retired from her career, she returned to painting with renewed purpose.  

For the past six years, Fran has devoted herself to studying, painting, and growing as an artist.  Rediscovering art has brought her back to what she considers the best things in life.

As Fran says, "Everything around me seems more beautiful, more interesting, and more appreciated. People often say that creating art is a calling.  I think it had been calling me for a long time."

She is continually inspired by nature from her backyard to her favorite shorelines. 

Fran lives and paints in the Richmond Virginia area and happily follows any opportunity to paint at the beach. She sketches in watercolor and gouache and creates her studio paintings primarily in oil.