By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Fran Kohlmeier is a local painter whose work features landscapes, still life, humans, and other scenes, depicted in a loose impressionistic style. Her work features a use of strong, bold colors combined with atmospheric blending of the backgrounds. She also often combines her painting techniques with collage and other mediums. Fran was chosen for the first artist in Craven Art’s Council’s new Satellite Gallery program at MJ’s, where her work is on display and for sale to the public in a relaxed, great dining atmosphere.
Where are you from and how’d you end up in Eastern North Carolina?
I am originally from NJ, where I started painting as a teen, under Arthur Maynard, an oil painter from Maine…fast forward to college in DC, where I graduated with a BA in Art Education. My husband Marty and I retired to New Bern about 3 years ago from Charlotte, where I taught for 15 years, and had a Workshop Business. All I wanted in retirement was to find a charming little town, with a vibrant art scene, a few good restaurants, and a welcoming vibe. We found it!
Do you have any formal arts training, or are you self-taught?
I’ve worked primarily in Watercolor, Mixed Media, Pastel, and Acrylic. Artists are lifelong learners, so we learn as we go! I’ve studied under many wonderful artists, most notably Eleanor Cox, a watercolorist from Richmond, VA., where we lived for 6 years. Zoltan Szabo, and Wolf Kahn and continue to study the master Impressionists for inspiration.
Is there a central theme to your work, or several themes?
My themes vary. Most recently I have explored sensory color, which in simplest form, is the use of complementary colors. I prime my canvas in vermillion, and then paint, allowing the orange to glow from beneath to enrich the other colors in my landscape. Coastal landscapes are my favorite at the moment, but I love Florals and mixed media abstracts.
You were a school teacher for a while, what relationship do you see between teaching and your work?
I’ve taught private art workshops for over 20 years, to both children and adults. My love of teaching has been rekindled here in New Bern, and I form workshops privately, in my home studio. I’ve planned some for the fall at Carolina Creations, as well. My teaching keeps me focused, and ignites my own creative juices.
You work in a variety of mediums, do you have a favorite, and why?
Right now, my favorite medium is Acrylic, with the addition of various mediums for effect. I can work as swiftly or as deliberately slow as I wish! It’s rather forgiving, so my paintings can evolve with me!
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work inspires you or you admire?
I have been inspired by many artists, all the way back to Michelangelo, and Florence continues to be my Muse. But contemporary Colorists Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Carol Engles, and Asheville based artist Jane Schmidt are some of my favs.
What specific award, piece, or exhibition you are proud of, and why?
The new Carolina East Cancer Center in New Bern commissioned artists from around the state to fill large spaces in a beautiful building. I was chosen from a large pool of amazing artists, and for that I’m very proud. I show my work primarily at Carolina Creations on Pollock Street, and have been featured artist there twice. Of course, the Bank of the Arts has been welcoming from the day I arrived in New Bern, and continues to nurture artists every day. I am grateful for all they have done to promote me as an artist.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art is a passion, a resting place, an outlet for everyday stresses, and my Gift. My favorite quote is from Pablo Picasso: “Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.”
Do you have any advice for artists starting out or want to get into the arts?
Don’ t be afraid to find your creative soul. Dive into your creativity! It’s in every one of us… take classes. Find a medium that speaks to you. Much of what we do as artists is learned. And we can all be lifelong learners!
I know your work is at Bank of the Arts and MJ’s, but where else can people find you work?
While I began my journey here in New Bern at the magical little Red Shoe Gallery, the Bank of the Arts has always held several pieces in their gallery store, and now in their first satellite gallery at MJ’s. But my home Gallery is Carolina Creations with Virginia Spencer, and her team of amazing curators, sales people, & associates. They do it all! I just create, and they make me look the part! I am truly blessed to call New Bern home.
317 Middle Street | New Bern, NC | www.cravenarts.org | 252.638.2577