Frances Bildner



"I paint from my imagination. Much of my work stems from my subconscious. I am influenced by both the Abstract Expressionists and German Expressionists. The most important element for me in painting is colour. Everything I want to say is translated through colour and movement. I use colour in quite an emotive way. My paintings often provoke strong reactions. I paint in bold colours, which probably accounts for my dislike of water-colours. I have sold to private collectors, offices and restaurants, and have exhibited in Europe and the United States."

I started painting at a young age. I think I was inspired to go into the wonderful world of Art after having won an art competition at the age of 13 where Sir Charles Wheeler, the past president of the Royal Academy wanted to buy my painting!.

Camden New Journal:

'New York City’s Village Voice once described her work as “varied and vital enough to renew a jaded spirit” and there are others on this side of the pond who hold the work of Hampstead-bases artist Frances Bildner, in high esteem. The mother of two can boast that her work featured in Nature Boy - a BBC production, and if all goes to plan, some of her paintings may appear in the forthcoming Bridget Jones movie. For nearly two weeks art lovers can view her work at Lauderdale House in Highgate. Bildner who lives in South Hill Park, will be exhibiting her work alongside fellow artist Simon Whitfield.

It will be an exhibition of contrasts. Bildner, who specialises in bright, bold colourful abstracts also indulges in figurative sketches and paintings of flowers.

Bildners life is as varied and exotic as her work. Born in Argentina to Jewish parents who fled Nazi Germany, she grew up in Buenos Aires and London and was schooled in painting in New York during the ‘80s.

As a young wife (she married an American stock market trader when she was 18) she perfected her skills at three New York art schools. When she returned to London in 1992 as a divorcee with two young sons, she kept on painting, encouraging the creativity of her children along the way.

“The oldest Nicholas used to be really artistic. He held his first exhibition in New York when he was six” Frances recalls. ”And Jesse who is twelve has not exhibited his work yet, but he recently painted a portrait of me in purple and green with orange eyes”
Jesse sounds as colourful as his mother. But for the time being there will be only one Bildner exhibiting their work at Lauderdale House.'

Frances Bildner has had training in Art History (B.A.), and has attended numerous courses in painting, drawing, and Batik, mainly in New York City, between 1983 and 1990.

Impressions magazine described her as "a passionate and seductive painter, her riotous use of colour affirms this view. The paintings are in definite, almost aggressively joyous dialogue with the viewer and their presence is hard to ignore".

New York's 'Village Voice' declared her work as "varied and vital enough to renew a jaded spirit". She now lives and works in London, and is represented in collections throughout Europe and America.

Education:

Sculpture Center
Courses in Drawing. New York City. 1988-1990

Art Students League
Courses in Drawing. New York City. 1986-1988

Parsons School of Design
Courses in painting, drawing textiles and Batik.1984-1986

New York University
B.A German Literature and Art History 1983
M.A Courses in Comparative Literature 1983 -1984