Résumé
Bio
I’m an artist known for portraiture. I’m also a STAT-certified Alexander technique teacher, working from my studio in Bampton in the South West of England.
Awards
Wells Art Contemporary Award, First Prize, 2012
Rootstein Hopkins Foundation, Project Grant, 2006
Arts Council England, Grants for the Arts, 2006
The BP Portrait Award, Commendation, 1996 and 2000, and Second Prize, 1998
Hunting Art Prizes, Cornwall Prize, 1999 and Runner Up, Young Artist of the Year, 1997
Black Swan Open Art Competition, First Prize, 1998
NatWest 90s Prize for Art, Second Prize, 1996 and Student Prize 1995
Solo Exhibitions
45 Park Lane, London (2013)
Frances Borden and Gwen John: Paper Works & A Film, curated by Frances Borden, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath (2006)
Beaux Arts Bath (2006)
Selected Group Exhibitions
Bath Society of Artists 119th Annual Exhibition, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath (2024)
Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London (2023, 2017)
ING Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London (2022, 2013, 2002, 1997)
Wells Art Contemporary Open, Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells (2021, 2012)
BP Portrait Award, The National Portrait Gallery, London (2019, 2016, 2000, 1998, 1997, 1996)
Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize, Piano Nobile Kings Place, London (2019, 2017, 2013)
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, The Royal Academy of Art, London (2019, 2011, 2000)
Columbia Threadneedle Prize, Mall Galleries, London (2018)
New English Art Club, Mall Galleries, London (2016)
RWA Annual Open Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol (2014)
Royal Miniature Society, Mall Galleries, London (2012)
Face Value, Chelsea Art Gallery, Palo Alto, California (2005)
Hunting Art Prizes, The Royal College of Art, London (2001, 1999, 1997)
Holburne Contemporary Portrait Prize, The Holburne Museum of Art, Bath (2004)
Self Portraits – 50 Faces of Contemporary Art, Six Chapel Row Contemporary Art, Bath (1998)
Black Swan Open Art Competition, The Black Swan Guild, Frome, Somerset (1998)
An Exhibition of Contemporary British Art, The Lefevre Gallery, London (1997)
NatWest 90s Prize for Art, London (1996, 1995)
Education and Residencies
Plymouth College of Art & Design – National Diploma in Foundation Studies, 1992 to 1993
Chelsea College of Art & Design – BA (Hons) Fine Art (Painting), 1993 to 1996
Gillingham School, Dorset, United Kingdom – Residency, 2001
Bristol Alexander School and Alexander Technique Training South West – STAT Certified Teacher Training for the Alexander Technique, 2018 to 2022
FAQ
Do you do commissions?
I welcome commissions.
How long does it take you to paint a picture?
It can take me several years or more to finish a painting. More time doesn’t always make for better work, though, and the knowledge of limited time can be inspiring.
You can see more about the process of various works on my Instagram account.
Do you paint from life or from photos?
Both.
When using photos, I prefer to meet sitters in person on at least one occasion, so that the images function as a reference, rather than be all the information I have to go on.
I also prefer take my own photos, as the interaction and observation afforded by this process is the groundwork of the later painting.
How much do you charge?
Because I’m not represented by a commercial gallery, I’m able to offer more affordable rates than would otherwise be possible.
Each case is assessed individually, based on your budget, the scale and complexity of work, any necessary time constraints and the logistics of sitting for a portrait.
Details are always agreed prior to starting, and can be renegotiated when necessary. Payments are typically made in a series of instalments, with the final amount due on delivery.
Contact
For advance notice of exhibitions, works for sale and works in progress, please register your interest using the form below, or contact me directly at 07533 525895 or Frances@francesborden.com.