Chris Franklin is a native of Lexington Kentucky and has been drawing or painting all his life. From pencil and crayon lessons in kindergarten to more formal art education in high school and college, Chris has developed his own style while paying tribute to the many great artists he admires. He is constantly studying both the works and lives of those he admires.
First learning to paint in watercolor, Chris soon excelled in this difficult media. He has the ability to capture the personality of his subjects, paying special attention to the eyes, what Chris considers the most important part of any portrait. Working exclusively in watercolor for over twenty years he was convinced by his sister-in-law to at least try to paint in oil. Chris' first oil paintings were really just sketches as you might expect but quickly he realized that by using what he had learned with watercolor could make for very interesting oil paintings.
Chris is influenced by several artists including Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth.
One occasion every year is really a highlight for Chris. For the past several years, he has donated his talent to an auction to benefits the Providence Montessori school where his niece and nephew attend class. The high bid gets their home painted in watercolor by Chris and for many it has become a cherished memory that will surely be passed on in the family.
