Cushion | Sadie | Velvet

Francesca Skelhorn was born and raised in Kent, The Garden of England, by her grandmother from the age of three, who was an abundant source of inspiration. This influenced her admiration of women for their distinct personalities and strength of character.

With a background in fashion and academia, Francesca has worked with young talent and understands how minds can be pushed and nurtured, helping to crystallise new ideas and build confidence: a key theme underpinning the message of her work.

‘My work focuses on the diversity of the female faces, using simple lines and the use of patterns and colour to describe the mood of the subject. My women appear on paper, making me feel empowered, enlightened and happy. I create my work to enable others to feel this also. I love working with pastels, ink, paint and digital media. Having no rules in place, just to enjoy the freedom and expression of building these unique characters on paper or canvas. The women I create all have different names and are linked by my drawing style of long necks, yet, each person has their own focus and symbols of individuality.’

Francesca’s main body of work uses the female form, predominately using faces, patterns, and colour, which helps to strengthen a mood or bring to life the personality of her subjects.