Frankie O. (RAP 2012) is an artist based in Bendigo, Australia. Her work is as diverse as is the media she and is all tied together by a love of audacious colour, energetic lines, and speed of application. Frankie studied with RAP in 2012 and received her B.A. in Painting and Drawing from La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia as well as a Diploma of Education, Double Method in Visual Arts.
RomeArtProgram: How did your time with RAP influence your work?
Frankie: My whole art practice changed after attending RAP. My work went from a painting once in a while, to every day. My subject matter moved from figures to architecture. I developed a love of working on location and painted plein air as often as I could, and my materials predominately moved from oil painting to watercolour. It was a game changer for me.
RAP: What was your favorite place in Rome and why?
Frankie: Piazza Barberini and the Bernini fountain there. I am a huge fan of Bernini’s sculptural works and this is the fountain I painted on my last assignment during RAP. I remember sitting on the ground with my paints splayed around me, espresso in one hand cornetto in the other, 30 degree heat at 9am in the morning, cars and traffic bustling on all sides and it was just me, the fountain and Rome. I stayed there for 3hrs in the scorching heat trying to create my final masterpieces and it was the most amazing experience. The painting I made were some of my favourites.
RAP: What are you working on now? What are your hopes for the future?
Frankie: I am always working on portraits and private commission as they help to support my art business. I’ve recently worked on Open Studios weekend in March. It was Bendigo’s first and I was excited to be amongst the local artists involved. In the not too distant future, I hope to be back painting, as recently my work has been focused on digital drawing and collage.
RAP: What has been your biggest art success since studying in Rome?
Frankie: My biggest success has been my first One Drawing a Day project, where I created a piece of art every day for an entire year. I shared my journey through my social media and developed a hugely supportive following. I exhibited all 356 works in my first solo exhibition and sold over 300 artworks. It was thrilling!
RAP: What is your advice for future RAP students?
Frankie: Just turn up every day and put the work in. You will be shocked how quickly your style and skills develop if you do. Make lots of bad art, find your voice and do not be scared to create with it. Feel confident in the fact there is an audience out there for everyone’s art.
frankieo.com @onedrawingadaybyfrankieo