Artist

54/ In The Studio With Frankie Thorp

For this journal feature, we step into the studio of London-based artist Frankie Thorp, who will be releasing her first Partnership Editions collection 'Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon'.

Frankie is known for her humorous tablescapes, a modern twist on traditional still life paintings, with kitsch 70s and 80s references such as cocktails and retro desserts.

 
 
 

How did you become an artist, what's your training and background?

I studied illustration at the London College of Communication. Having only painted and doodled for my own enjoyment for a long time in early 2019 I decided to take the plunge and start sharing my work on Instagram which was the first step in allowing my career as a professional artist to grow.

 
 
 
 

What are your influences - generally and specifically for this collection? Are there certain artists, subjects or movements that inspire your work in particular?

My main influences come from travel, film and dining. I am a massive foodie and love a good cocktail. In respect of artists that inspire me; to name a few Matisse, Tal R and Mary Fedden.

 
 
 
 

What does your process look like? Why do you choose to work with this type of materials/techniques?

My preferred medium is acrylic and oil pastel although I am dabbling with oil paint more and more. My process normally starts with colour. I am very particular about my colour palettes and will sometimes decide on this ahead of the subject matter.

 
 
 
 

I have an abundance of still life photos that I have collected for reference either found or taken by myself. However, I often like to paint from memory as I like to reduce the objects in my paintings to a more simpler form and find if I have the image in front of me I start including too much detail and I lose the desired outcome.

 
 
 
 

QUICKFIRE:

What's your current song on repeat in the studio? Chaise longue - Wet Leg

Favourite cocktail? My answer should probably be a negroni but if it was my last supper I think it would have to be a spicy margarita with Tajin salt rim.

Your muse? David Byrne. I tell everyone I meet to watch ‘Stop Making Sense’ 

Perfect night out? A pre-dinner pint at a proper London boozer. Bonus points if the pub has carpet. Dinner in Soho, I like lots of small plates so I can sample as much different food as possible, followed by a nightcap in a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. 

Favourite gallery? Guts Gallery. They’ve just got a perm space in London and I really admire their ethos. 

Can't live without? My phone. But then maybe also cheese? I can’t imagine life without cheese.

 
 
 
 

FOLLOW FRANKIE

@frankiethorp

Learn more about Frankie Thorp's work and shop her debut collection.



Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon by Frankie Thorp

Sign up

Be the first to hear about our new releases and get free shipping on your first order

By signing up you will receive newsletters about our new releases and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.