Self-taught Mexican American folk artist Francisco Franklin’s largest show to date is currently at Tooley’s gallery next to their cafe in the Lost Barrio, 299 S. Park Ave, south of Broadway. I dropped by tonight’s reception and was taken by his portraits of women and angels, as well as his honesty.

In his handwritten statement Francisco says he paints “in spite of himself, not because of himself.” He also states that “in the solitude of my life something somewhere gives me the ability to do what you see here.”

For a preview of his art (paintings, carvings in wood and alabaster, B/W sketches, wooden furniture) on sale at the exhibit, you can still attend another opening tomorrow from 3 to 8 p.m.

See his website: franciscofranklin.com, with a link to an Az Illustrated show on 3/11/08. He lived abroad in Sweden, Iceland, France, and Germany before settling back here in Tucson.
He can be reached at 520-622-3125 (h), 520-275-9987 (c) or via his website.

In his AZ Illustrated interview Francisco said that he thought “women were closer to God than men”, and that the women he painted were “kind, safe, and benevolent.” His art does reflect just that. Click here for KUAT show.

Here’s an example of one of his lovely paintings, complete with whimsical hand carved frames:

angel painting by Francisco Franklin

This show only runs through Monday, November 30.