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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

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