Paint by Numbers - Fran Di Giacomo

Fran Di Giacomo, originally from Dallas, has a passion for classical realism and the Dutch masters. She seeks to study with living masters, including Paul Leveille, David Leffel or Howard Terpning.

Her still life paintings are prized for their lush colours and dramatic lighting. She pays particular attention to light and constantly attempts to perfect the mystery of light and shadow.

"The light in a client's home is constantly changing, so my paintings take on a different personality in each situation. In today's fast-paced world, our senses are constantly assaulted by the loud, the vulgar, the grotesque. I want to create beautiful paintings that fill a room with grace and dignity".

Fran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984 and ovarian cancer in 1998.While keeping her cancer a secret, she is building a national reputation. She continues to accept painting orders with deadlines that require her to work regardless of pain, fatigue or hospital stays.

The plan for a book of her paintings becomesa book designed to help cancer patients find their own fairy tale in the way of art.

"Art is my passion, my sanity, my nirvana. When I sit at the easel, all the pain and questions of my life fly away as my mind is consumed with the painting before me. I live in two separate worlds. It is my paradox of having to balance a devastating illness with elegant, serene paintings".