Jo Franks

I am a visual artist, inspired by the natural world around us working in bold colours and textures.  I love to paint in brusho, watercolours and gouache and my favourite subjects are animals, including pets and seascapes.  I grew up by the sea and continue to be inspired by its various moods.

I lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic which gave me time to turn what I have loved doing as a hobby all my life into my own art business.  I started off showing my work online on social media and through the creation of my website, www.jolocalityart.com.  As life begun to open up again I started to enjoy exhibiting at various events accross Bedfordshire and Hertsforshire, including taking part in Open Studios for the last 3 years, The Workhouse Dunstable, Wesleys Harpenden, Harpenden Methodist church and the Forest Centre, Marston Moraine.  I had my first solo exhibition ‘Out of the Blue’ in Mudlarks cafe in Hertford, August 2022.which was a collection of seascapes and mixed media pieces.  I have taken part in the Letchworth Open for the past three years, this year I am exhibiting cornfields, a mixed media 3D piece.  I also enjoy completing commissions including pets and family portraits.  I created two portraits for Dunstable Tandoori.

I enjoy sharing my skills in a variety of different contexts including brush parties, a session with Mr Hugley and Joy, children’s brusho sessions and adult Christmas themed brusho cards at Christ Church Dunstable.  I offer one to one or small group watercolour lessons in my studio in Houghton Regis.

I have taken part in art trials in St Albans and Dusntables and won the people’s choice for Dunstable celebrates the Jubilee which was a. Huge encouragement.

I am holding an Open Studios in my studio in Houghton Regis, Saturday 21st Oct, 2-4pm, all welcome.  I am currently exhibiting in the Broadway Gallery Letchworth and The Workhouse, Dunstable and have plans to take part in Christmas markets later this year.

I am always ope to hosting brush parties for adults or children, or creating bespoke commissions for that special occasion.  Please get in touch to find out more jolocalitity@gamil.com