Fran Schlosser is a Calgary-based artist and instructor whose journey in the arts has been lifelong. In the fall of 1998, she felt a powerful urge to pursue painting seriously, enrolling in painting classes with the University of Saskatchewan, extension program. Since then, she has dedicated herself to honing her craft, participating in advanced portrait, figurative, and sculpture workshops with renowned artists across Canada, the USA and abroad. Fran’s work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, she has taught art internationally, and she hosts elite art retreats in the Mexican Mayan Riviera. Her pieces can be found in homes across Canada, the USA, and as far away as Australia.

“Figurative work has always been a favourite of mine, especially portraits. I am endlessly fascinated by the way an image on paper or canvas can capture the essence of an individual. Creating a story, seeing a persona or character emerge from a blank surface, and witnessing the moment when paint transforms into something alive—when it ceases to be paint and becomes a being—is pure magic to me.

My style is best described as an intuitive, sensitive, and vibrant realism. While I adore painting people, I also find great joy in exploring subjects that spark happiness in my life—the beauty of florals, the relationships to our animals or an enticing still life. My process shifts with my mood: some days, I embrace the boldness of painting with a knife, applying thick paint directly onto the canvas. Other days, I approach the work meditatively, mixing colors on the palette and using brushes. I also work in soft pastel, particularly for portraits, a medium that allows me to achieve a rich, velvety texture and capture the nuanced expressions of my subjects. My artistic path is dynamic and reflective of my noisy, curious mind. I am drawn to subjects and techniques that capture my interest for a time, only to explore something new before circling back again. At the heart of it all is a deep love for colour, drama, and continuous growth in my skills.”