Today we’d like to introduce you to John DeFrance.
John, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For me getting started was a decision to go all in. As many know, the job market for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is slim to say the least. That being said, I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico after graduation to embark on the dream of being an artist and have been loving it ever since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Easy? Not a chance. Within a few hours of having arrived in Santa Fe, I was robbed at gunpoint. I discovered “Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose” is not just a song lyric but a condition. All in all, it turned out to be the perfect training ground for life as an artist.
You spend a lot of time alone filtering inner dialogue as an artist. The challenge of keeping a positive mindset is paramount. It requires trust in the unknown, belief in the unseen and the capacity to drown out the noise of societal expectations.
Looking back, the hardships were the gold. Tasting the grit of perseverance forges the discipline and character needed to carve one’s path.
Please tell us about your art.
I am an artist specializing in high realism painting. I am most known for painting landscapes, grand skies and horses. I would hope that my commitment to excellence is prevalent in my work and that it would set me apart from others. I build my paintings with patience and layering. I believe in allowing a painting to evolve and take the time required to become the best version of itself. Much like building a life.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One of my most memorable accomplishments came unexpectedly in the “39 Hour” show at the original Fort Worth Modern Art Museum. I had entered a small 12 x 12′′ painting of a Texas Thunderhead. Much to my surprise, I found out my painting was voted the People’s Choice Award 2nd place. The resulting prize was a three person show at the museum for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. place winners.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.defrancefineart.com
- Phone: 432.528.2700
- Email: john@defrancefineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defrance_fine_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defrancefineart/
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