Welcome to Francesca Droll Fine Art
How wonderful to have you here!
Seeing my art will tell you that I’m crazy in love with the landscapes of the western U.S. Also that I love the challenge of painting still life arrangements. Lately, I’ve started incorporating animals into my work which is an exciting new direction to explore.
Pastels are my medium. Working with the little sticks is like an extension of my fingers. They offer me a lot of flexibility in how I use them to achieve the effects I’m looking for. From bold, expressive strokes to subtle blending, they are the perfect medium to convey the mood and motion of the scene before me.
I’m an avid plein air painter. Being outdoors to paint can be challenging at times, but more often the energy of being in nature has me enthralled. Once I find my inspiration, I’m excited to capture it on my painting surface.
I know many people share my love of a beautiful landscape. It can take them to a place of peace and comfort as it does me. If my art provides a reminder of that feeling of peace and comfort to someone, then I’ve managed to create a connection with that person and myself. Art often brings people together in unexpected and delightful ways.
My formative years were spent in the Pacific Northwest but I grew up close to the coast in Southern California. Relocating to Bigfork, Montana, in the early 2000s, seemed like coming home to me. I was back in the mountains, feeling the peace of the forests and the exhilarating water of steams and lakes.
My background includes 35 years as a graphic designer, operating a small design studio with my husband and partner, John R. Webster. On the side, I’m an avid reader, enjoy puzzling when I can find the time, and during the summer months, you’ll find me swimming in Flathead Lake.
Now that you know a little about me, tell me a little about yourself—I’d love to get to know you!
I invite you to explore my site. Please check the “Paintings” page to see my latest work or click here. Also, check out my “Blog” for current news or click here.
Francesca’s Instagram Feed
Bibler Gardens, 9” x 12”, pastel
There were still vibrant tulips to paint this week but with our unseasonably warm temperatures, they are going fast. Luckily, I got one more day to paint before the smoke from the Canadian wildfires blanketed our valley. My painting is shown and a photo of the scene I was painting.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #biblergardens #kalispellmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #tulips #flowergardens #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Bibler Gardens, 9” x 12”, pastel
Another fun day painting at Bibler Gardens. The director of the gardens said they plant 30,000 new bulbs every year! It surely feels like that many when they are all blooming.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #biblergardens #kalispellmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #tulips #flowergardens #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairathome #pleinairmag
Bibler Gardens, 9” x 12”, pastel
I had a wonderful day painting at Bibler Gardens last week and the tulips were at their peak!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #flowerpaintings
#tulips #kalispellmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #biblergardens
Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrating the divine feminine in all our sisters today!! Tulips at Bibler Gardens.
#mothersday #tulips #flowers #ladyothelake
The latest painting of Flathead’s amazing sunsets. 18” x 36”, pastel.
“Oso”, 8” x 10”, pastel
I’ve been discovering the joy of painting animals, especially these human companions. This is Oso, which means bear in Spanish. He is a sweet little dog who thinks he is a big dog.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #bigforkmontana
#animalportraitpainting #dogpainting
#caninecompanions
“Passing Storm”, 16” x 12”, pastel
Previously, I posted a small study of this landscape. This is the larger painting and I think ready to be framed!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife
“Cozy”, 10” x 8”, pastel
I’ve been discovering the joy of painting animals, especially these human companions. These 2 sets (blues and portraits) of #terryludwigpastelsllc were the perfect colors for this painting of Cozy.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #bigforkmontana
#animalportraitpainting #dogpainting #goldenretrievers
“Sabino Shadows”, 20” x 30”, pastel
The study for this painting was done onsite. Another wonderful afternoon spent in the desert landscape. I love how the light plays on the green trunks of Palo Verde trees, the only tree that can perform photosynthesis through its bark.
This painting is showing at #for.fineart.az in Tucson. Please come to the opening reception today, April 6th, 4-7 pm.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #sabinocanyon #tucsonart #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
“Sabino Comfort”, 18” x 36”, pastel. Sabino Canyon in Tucson is a special place for me. Spending time there brings me peace and contentment. I once went there to find solace after hearing the sad news that a friend and fellow artist was dying. I feel very close to his spirit when I’m there. It will always be a special place to Plein air paint for me.
This painting is showing at #for.fineart.az in Tucson. Please come to the opening reception on Thursday, April 6th, 4-7 pm.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #sabinocanyon #tucsonart #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
A small study in preparation for a larger version. 10” x 8”, pastel
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife
Christmas Still life, 12” x 12”, pastel
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season with your love ones and may the New Year bring happiness and peace.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Support the Flathead Land Trust by purchasing artwork painted by 14 local artists. You can bid on the paintings at Auctria.events/FlatheadRiverinPaint.
Now showing at Montana Modern Fine Art through Wednesday, Nov. 16. Benefits the Owen Sowerwine project and K-12 education. Please come in and enjoy the views of the Flathead River in Paint!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #flatheadlandtrust
#pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
You can still see the 24 paintings completed by 14 artists for the Flathead Land Trust now showing at Montana Modern Fine Art through Wednesday, Nov. 16. Half the proceeds benefit the Owen Sowerwine and K-12 education. Please come in and enjoy the views of the Flathead River in Paint!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #flatheadlandtrust
#pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
Tonight, November 9th, is the opening reception of "Flathead River In Paint" at Montana Modern Fine Art in Kalispell. This fundraiser benefits Flathead Land Trust and the Owen Sowerwine Project which will protect 442 acres of State School Trust land along the Flathead River. The online auction features the paintings from 14 artists. Please use this link to bid and for more information. We hope to see you tonight from 6-8 pm.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #flatheadlandtrust #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
Sunrise Over the Flathead North Shore, 16“ x 12“, pastel
It was an adventure waking up before dawn and driving over to Somers to catch the sunrise. This painting will be on auction at the “Flathead River in Paint” event sponsored by Flathead Land Trust. Hope to see you at Montana Modern Fine Art on November 9, 6–8 p.m. for the opening reception.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #flatheadlandtrust #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
Flathead North Shore Neighbors, 9” x 12”, pastel
These Canada geese were my companions while I was painting the new beach area on the north shore of Flathead Lake in Somers. This painting will be on exhibit at the “Flathead River in Paint” event sponsored by Flathead Land Trust. Come in, say hello, and support the Owen Sowerwine Project at Montana Modern Fine Art on November 9, 6-8 pm for the opening reception.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #flatheadlandtrust #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
Sunrise Over the Flathead North Shore, 16“ x 12“, pastel
It was an adventure waking up before dawn and driving over to Somers to catch the sunrise. This painting will be on auction at the “Flathead River in Paint” event sponsored by Flathead Land Trust. Hope to see you at Montana Modern Fine Art on November 9, 6–8 p.m. for the opening reception.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Sometimes Mother Nature just makes you smile. Loving my time in Grand Mesa!
#francescadroll
Therese Ely had a wonderful reception last night at Phillip’s Gallery. Stunning paintings and it was interesting to hear about Therese’s process. Definitely a show to see!
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #montanalife #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Had to share this incredible rainbow over Flathead Lake this morning!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter
It’s been years since we’ve seen these two lovely ladies! John’s sister is here with her daughter visiting for the week. We are showing them the beauty of Montana!
Pastel, 9” x 12”
Yesterday’s early morning plein air on the new Somers beach. The mosquitoes are abundant this year and my mosquito net headgear worked like a charm. I’m going to be keeping that as part of my plein air kit from now on.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Many Glacier, GNP, 9” x 12”, Plein air study, pastel
This was another study I did on my trip to Glacier a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t include the hotel at first but added it when I reworked the painting in the studio. I also removed the peak in the upper left corner and used the slope of the mountain as a directional line into the painting. A small change that created more drama. This was a beautiful day after a day of continuous rain. So happy to be outdoors painting in my favorite part of the park!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Mt. Wilbur, Plein Air study, 9”x12”, pastel
I was fortunate to spend several days in Glacier National Park a couple of weeks ago. The goal was to plein air paint, of course. I finished this study just as the rain was starting to fall. You can see the raindrops on the original. I took it into the studio and reworked it removing the raindrops and refining the elements.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairmag
Somers Field, 6”x8”, pastel
I was in Somers yesterday looking for painting views for an upcoming Plein air event. I did a quick study in this spot and moved the background trees closer in addition to removing the road in the foreground.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll