Artist Series Post #8: Graham Franciose

Graham Franciose

Allow me to introduce yet another talented artist that will be displaying work at Urban Decay II in June 2011. Graham Franciose (thats fran-chose, not fran-swah) grew up in a very artistic and creative family, and credits them with his decision to pursue art as a career. When he was in college getting his BFA in illustration he was trained in photo-realism; however, after noticing that everyone's work looked very similar he decided to veer off and find a style of his own. Growing up skateboarding, he was always influenced by "low-brow" and "street" artists who really inspired hm to do something different which is why I felt Graham was a natural choice to be a part of Urban Decay.



beauty and the beast
12" x 12"
oil and ink on pine



sometimes it's better to let go-her
12" x 10"
oil and ink on pine



flying lessons
8" x 6"
oil and ink on pine



isle of the sleeping giant
18" x 24"
ink and acrylic on paper

Graham Franciose graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Hartford Art School in 2005. He has exhibited his work for the last five years across the United States and has been published in various art publications and children's educational books. When he is not painting he is probably riding his skateboard, rolling skeeballs, spending time with his girlfriend, or wishing he was doing any of those things. If you see him, high five him.

Graham: "A lot of my work deals with the quiet moments in a story, between the excitement and action where characters deal with internal conflicts, doubt, loneliness, wonder, apprehension. My work often comes across as sad and melancholy, but there is always a sense of hope that I am trying to portray."

Art Whino's comments about Graham's work: Relatable and honest, Graham's works are some of the most gentle, yet emotionally evocative works ever featured at Art Whino. His imaginative illustrative paintings are small in size and big on emotion, each depicting its own little narrative, often dreamily reminiscent, reaching deep into the human condition and showing us all little pieces of ourselves along the way.

 You can take a look at more of Graham's beautiful work on his website at: http://grahamfranciose.com/#home
And he's even a fellow blogger!: http://grahamf-art.blogspot.com/
Interested in purchasing his work? Try out his etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/grahamfranciose

OR just come to Urban Decay II in June at the Workhouse Art Center, drink some wine, eat some great food, listen to some great music and buy it in person! :)

See you all there!





"Someone To Relate To"
9" x 12"



He Missed That Sprawling Tree, With All His Heart
ink and acrylic on paper
16" x 20"