About Fran

Fran Connelley is a south coast-based artist who paints in acrylic on canvas. She has a passion for capturing the shifting light, moods, and sensuality of the Australian coastline. 
 

The recurring themes of her work are water, light and energy. 
 

She developed her skills under the tutelage of Canadian artist, Paul S Miller at the Ku-ring-gai Art Centre and Australian artist and sculptor, Richard Byrnes at the Waverley Woollahra Art Centre.
 

Since moving to the south coast, her work has shifted to larger, more open landscapes and a new artistic perspective. 
 

Bigger skies, swirling storms and long, luminous beaches with the occasional beach walker or sunbaker simply enjoying the space. 

​

"I want people to feel as if they can immerse themselves in the landscape. Hear the waves rolling in, feel the offshore breeze and the sand in their toes. I love the idea that the canvas is a window into that world. I hope people can feel that same sense of ‘place’ that I feel when I paint.''

 

Her influences are David Hockney, Winslow Homer, and Arthur Streeton. In recent years she has begun teaching a popular beginner’s painting class, “Fun with Acrylics.”

 

Exhibitions

2025 The Sea Change Collection

2023 Catching My Breath

2022 Coast

2021 Water Girl

2020 Body of Water

2019 Beyond the Shore

​

Awards

2024 Finalist, Waverley 9x5 Landscape Prize

2022 Finalist, Waverley 9x5 Landscape Prize​

​