Frances gained a Fine Art degree and a teaching diploma at Manchester, and was teaching for a while in secondary and adult education in Manchester area. Always painting and exhibiting her work in both group and one man shows at the same time. Later working as a creative illustrator and graphic designer for architects, landscape architects and advertising agencies in the North West. Moving north to Kendal involved re-thinking options and the opportunity to focus on her own creative work. Part of the Green Door Co-operative art group and a member of Kendal art society, involved in many art schemes and projects in the area. Frances has exhibited in the Royal Academy, the Royal Watercolour Society at Bankside gallery, the Lakes Artists, as well as many times in the Cumbrian open at Up-front gallery. Frances has work in private international collections, and can be seen in galleries in the North West. “ I need to paint, I love the colour and inspiration I find around me . I am grounded by our rich, sometimes dour, but real landscape. Bones of structure showing everywhere, eroded and weathered, scratchily showing its beauty. I love to feel the immensity of the sky, ever changing tidal bands on water and scarred landscape and forests.” Print- making, creative embroidery as well as ceramics are significant areas of work. Ceramics are mainly sculptural pieces, animals, birds and also panels in porcelain or crank clay, combing and exploring textures and structure. Acrylic paint, watercolour and gouache and oil pastel are all used in painting, achieving and exploring more innovative methods. As well as painting for herself, Frances is a tutor at Higham Hall,  Bassenthwaite, and runs several residential courses there during the year. There are also courses at the Greystoke Quirky Workshops. Near Penrith. Website : www.franceswinder.com