We are excited to announce that Argo & Lehne showcase the paintings of local Columbus artist, Frances McEwan Monfort…again! If you aren’t familiar, Frances’ exhibit here in July 2016 was a huge success. Our customers were blown away by her paintings and have requested her return. Frances has been creating more works and we will see her paintings in the showroom beginning January 5.
I was first taken by Frances’s work at the Columbus Museum of Art’s fundraiser, D’Art for Art a few years ago. Observing the submitted works, my eye was drawn to a lovely oil painting depicting a red barn situated under a large blue and clouded sky, appropriately named, “Big Sky Barn”. The painting spoke to my Midwestern roots and immediately drew me in. I was fortunate enough to speak with Frances that evening and was shocked to learn she had only been painting for 6 years, now 8 years!
The Inspiration Behind the Collection
Her work indicated a more established artist. I discovered she has taken many art classes and has dabbled in photography, watercolors and pottery. However, it is oil paintings that she prefers and has made the medium of her focus.
Big Sky Barn Landscape. 27″ x 27″. Sold.
The oil and acrylic paintings of Frances McEwan Monfort are landscapes, which she loves to paint. She says landscapes are beautiful and ever-changing, a metaphor for life. You will notice some of the landscapes on display are from locations in and around the Columbus area, such as the Scioto River.
About the Artist
She always signs her paintings with her full name, Frances McEwan Monfort, because she is very proud of her maiden name, which comes from her birthplace of Scotland. For inspiration, she looks to the American Impressionists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and also loves the work of her brother, Michael McEwan, who is a well-known Columbus artist.
When she is not painting, Frances enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading a great book, taking cooking classes, traveling, and golfing. Frances is from Dublin, Ohio where she lives with her husband, Dr. David Monfort, and her Shih-poo, Maggie. She has four children and two grandchildren and is currently grounded as a homemaker.
Stop In and See the Collection
Please join us in celebrating the talent of this local artist by visiting the exhibit, Colorscapes, in our showroom January 5 – March 9 or meet Frances in per at her Art Opening Tuesday, February 12th from 5-7pm. I hope her work captivates you as it has captivated us and so many of our customers.
