The Mintwood Art Shop: Madeleine Frances

Have you ever felt like you were about to watch someone take off? That moment when someone is standing at the edge of the high-dive board about to jump, and deep down you just know that they are about to amaze you with their talent and splash. That is how we feel about Madeleine Frances. Her raw talent, appreciation for beauty, and her new-found entrepreneurial spirit are inspiring. Oh, and not to mention, we're pretty obsessed with her prints!

Q and A with Madeleine:

Where are you from? 

In two words, how would you describe your style of painting? 

Whimsical and feminine.

What mediums do you use? 

I mainly use ink and watercolor on paper, but every now and then I throw some colored pencil into the mix. 

Your biggest inspirations? Your favorite artists? 

My biggest inspirations are my parents - in the large scheme of things and in my art. My mom and dad encouraged my siblings and I, from a very young age, to pursue our artistic talents. Handmade birthday and holiday cards were a staple in our household - in fact, I can't remember a time I ever gave my parents a store-bought card. So, over the past couple years when I found myself drawing and painting more, my parents were (as always) my proverbial cheerleaders. 

Our favorite mint door by Madeleine Frances was painted specially for us and is only available at Mintwood Home!

Where does your passion for art come from? 

I've always enjoyed and appreciated art, but it took some time before I realized my own passion. I graduated college in 2012 and jumped into a great job at a lobbying firm in D.C., where I still am working. After several months, I realized I needed a creative outlet so I began drawing. Then drawing turned into painting. I essentially taught myself how to paint with watercolors this past winter and realized I absolutely loved it. That's when the passion kicked in and I found myself rushing home from my day job to paint.

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students? 

Embrace your own style and develop it.

What’s your favorite Mintwood Home product? 

It's hard to choose just one! I adore the Gold Flying Piggy Bank and the Whino Cocktail Napkins.

What do you like to listen to while your painting? 

I listen to everything from Celine Dion (not joking) to Jame Vincent McMorrow, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, The Lumineers, Ghost Beach and Shania Twain. You could say, I have a very eclectic taste in music.

Fill in the blank.

Art is meaningful.

Favorite art museum? 

I love National Gallery of Art. Being from the DC area, I have walked through the doors of the National Gallery of Art many times and every time, I see something new.

What is your dream project? 

My dream project would be to design my own planner. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a very organized person so getting to combine my love for art with my love for organizing would be amazing.

Name 3 artists you would like to be compared to. 

1. Caitlin McGauley

2. Inslee Haynes

3. Happy Menocal

Favorite or most inspirational place? 

This question is surprisingly difficult for me to answer. I find inspiration in so many places - whether it's at home, in D.C., or the strikingly-beautiful cities of Europe. Barcelona, hands down, is one of my very favorite places in the world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

The best piece of advice I've been given is that whatever you give power to in your mind, is what will be. 

Professionally, what’s your goal? 

The exciting part of all of this, is that I don't know what path lays ahead. I would like to one day expand from selling original art and prints to other items, like note cards, calendars, planners and jewelry trays. I have many ideas, but have to remind myself to take one step at a time.