Welcome to Francesca Droll Fine Art
How wonderful to have you here!
My passion for art is inspired by the landscapes that surround me. From the rugged western mountains to the southwest deserts, as well as the coasts in between, I’m feel connected to the landscape on a deep, spiritual level.
Pastels are my medium and they encourage the use of subtle blending as well as bold, expressive strokes to convey the mood and motion of the scene before me. I’m an avid plein air painter and enjoy being in the outdoors while painting to capture the essence and energy of the experience.
The sense of bliss I feel in viewing a scene bathed in light and shadow is what I hope to provide to the viewer. If one of my works can foster emotional connectivity with the viewer, then my goal has been accomplished!
My formative years were spent in the Pacific Northwest but I grew up close to the coast in Southern California. Relocating to Bigfork, Montana over 20 years ago 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 managing our design studio, Abacus Graphics, with my husband and partner, John R. Webster.
Please check the “Paintings” page to see my latest work or click here. Also, check out my “Blog” for current news or click here.
I invite you to explore my site and I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Francesca’s Instagram Feed
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
“12” x 24”, pastel
Another Flathead Lake sunset to delight and inspire the creative spirit.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll
“Tangerine Sky”, 12” x 9”, pastel
Another Flathead Lake sunset to delight and inspire the creative spirit. This time over Woods Bay.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll
“Flathead Lake Sunset Story”, 12” x 9”, pastel
I never tire of painting the endless casts of sunsets performing over Flathead Lake.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll
“Into the Cirque”, 20” x 15”, pastel
Before and after. This piece was originally shown at ‘A Timeless Legacy’ at the Hockaday Museum in 2020. Since then, I have been looking at it and thinking that the orange glow in the grass was too distracting from the rest of the piece. I also felt the foreground was weak and didn’t lead the eye into the painting as it should. I brushed off all the pastel in the foreground and started fresh. I’m much happier with this new version of the painting. It will be showing once again this summer at the Hockaday. (There is a little color shift between the 2 photos.)
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll
I painted this a couple of years ago. I’ve taken it out of the frame and I’m reworking the foreground.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll
“Evening’s Tune”, 12” x 9”, pastel
This one went home with a collector recently. I love painting the skies over Flathead Lake. There is an endless variety in nature’s theater of sky productions featuring interesting cloud patterns and spectacular color palettes. I’m gearing up to do more of these little gems. Stay tuned!
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #sunsetart #pacificnorthwest #lakeart
“Sun and Snow”, 6” x 8”, pastel
Last weekend was beautiful with fresh snow, warm sun, and temps that rose to the mid-20s. Finally conditions that invited me outside for the first time this year to paint. It felt good to stretch those plein air muscles once again.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #montanaartscene
#flatheadlakemontana #ladyothelake #glaciernps #bigforkmontana #for.fineart #montanalife #francescadroll #pleinairpainter #pleinairathome #pleinairmag
Ukraine is the largest producer of sunflower seeds in the world. The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower. Artists are displaying their sunflower art to show support for the people of Ukraine. Here’s mine. Sending thoughts of peace and comfort to the country.
#francescadroll #peace #stopwar #ukraine
“Sedona Poetry”, 18” x 24”, pastel
Another painting in my Southwest series. I originally painted this on site a few years ago. At the time, I was lucky enough to meet up with some of my plein air painting buddies in Sedona and was introduced to this lovely and unique landscape. I completed this painting in the studio using my study as a reference. Available at FoR Fine Art gallery in Tucson.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #tucsonartscene
#southwestart #ladyothelake #tucson #tucsontravel #for.fineart #francescadroll
#southwestlife #southwestlandscapes
“Desert Blue”, 16”x20”
has made its way to the new FoR Fine Art gallery in Tucson. Inspired by the spring run off in Sabino Canyon when the desert is at its greenest. Stop in and visit if you’re in the area.
#pastelpainter #pastelpainting #pastel_society_of_west_coast
#artforsalebyartists #tucsonartscene
#southwestart #ladyothelake #tucson #tucsontravel #for.fineart #francescadroll
#southwestlife #southwestlandscapes
