The Supplement: Jose Miguel Roman Frances

Jose Miguel Roman Frances was born on January 2, 1950 in Alcoy, Alicante, Spain. At the age of fourteen he began to paint in the workshop of Gaspar Frances Rico. Rico became more of a friend than a teacher, and his work influenced Frances’ artistic formation.

Frances’ work is characterized by its superb draftsmanship and the feeling of light that he manages to reflect in everything that inspires him. His paintings are employed lavishly, with dense buildups in the floral groupings and the landscapes surrounding the female figures which are the core and focus from which all else radiates. However, when dealing with the flesh the paint becomes restrained, even austere, suiting itself to a subject, and thus achieving an overall effect of harmony and great beauty.

In 1965 he exhibited his first painting in the Salon de Otono in Alcoy. The following year he moved to Madrid, where he remained for five years experiencing the culture of this region. In 1971 he returned to Alcoy, where he has lived ever since.

In 1976 he presented his first individual exhibition in Catalonia, beginning an extensive series of exhibitions. His work can be found in many important public and private collections in over 30 countries including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Mexico and Canada.