ARTIST’S BIO:                                                                                                                                                                 
 A forty two year resident of
Western North Carolina’s high country, Frederick ‘Craig’ Franz’s home in Avery
County is an area that is a landscape artist’s dream. 
His home is at the foot of rugged Grandfather Mountain and on the
northern border of the Pisgah National Forest.  The area is lush with dense forests and
cascading streams. Nearby are the
Roan Highlands, a 6000 foot peak that is home to forests of Frazier Furs,
expansive mountaintop balds, and native rhododendron and azalea that bloom each
year with explosive color. Four true seasons visit the high country each year
and provide Craig with unlimited inspiration from which to paint.                                                                                                                              
                             
Craig’s journey as an artist began with career as a jeweler/craftsman,
designing and fabricating original creations in gold and silver. 
He studied drawing and painting in college, but did not choose to pursue
those interests until into his 50’s. 
An admiration of impressionism, especially the continued development from
the 20th century American impressionists, helped
guide his path.  Working in soft pastels and oils his award winning paintings are created both ‘Plein
  Air’ and in the studio.           



ARTIST’S STATEMENT:                                                                                                                                                  
                
“Capturing on canvas the mood and atmosphere from a landscape setting is
a lifelong pursuit and challenge. 
But one that is filled with such satisfaction it is the reason painters
have such excitement and passion for what they do.” 

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