PJF
INDUSTRIAL
SURREALISM
It is said that a budding artist is sometimes before their time; and this stands true of PJF Industrial Surrealism. As a professional artist, Paul J. Francois has dedicated much time to the arts and is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to develop new skills. Explore this digital portfolio and discover when those special pieces were created, what they were inspired by, and learn more about their medium.
PROFILE
All About Paul James Francois' Paintings
With time, come new interests. While a veterinarian by profession, over the years I’ve helped design residential and commercial buildings. Using these skills, I’ve turned to creating mixed media acrylic paintings. I often use photos of places and things that I’ve taken over the years as the catalyst for creating my art, which I reference as Industrial Surrealism. They encompass the use of many bizarre tools to secure the minute components for distinct symmetry in the lines. My art gives me a chance to concentrate and focus on details, similar to the focus I had doing a surgery. This of course is quite a bit less stressful and much more enjoyable.
"Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets"
Ludwig Van Beethoven
CONTACT
Address:
The Artists Gallery
532 Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite A
Virginia Beach, Va. 23451
Email:
PAINTINGS BY PAUL JAMES FRANCOIS
I use acrylics on canvas oftentimes after getting an ordinary 5"x7" picture printed in the center. I then use that print as inspiration for the actual painting. Each canvas is glued to a fine birch panel with all sides finished. The finished painting is then coated with acrylic varnish for protection and to prevent discoloration. If a stretched canvas is used, all edges are finished.
Occasionally the painting will use part of the print as what it actually was such as a flower or road sign but usually it becomes an unrecognizable part the final painting. I call my work "Industrial Surrealism". I use industrial forms and fittings or imaginary objects to represent a stylized version of real life. All of my works originate from personal experience or thoughts. I paint for people to see reality from a slightly different view. I hope you will take the time to enjoy.
All original paintings may be purchased at the listed prices either by contacting the artist directly or through "The Artists Gallery".
Prints and Cards may also be purchased:
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Card with envelope $6.00
Fruit of Life
Acrylic Mixed Media
Fruit of LifePaul J. Francois 2017
All good art students learn shading, then shapes, and finally how to paint fruit. This fruit is very special as it is the "fruit of life".
12" x 18" Painting $600.00
Birth of a Pyramid
Acrylic Mixed Media
Birth of a Pyramid
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
This painting is an analogy of the fall of the Berlin Wall
that led to the end of the cold war and the beginning or birth
of the free world as represented by the birth of a pyramid.
The figures in the center are from graffiti painted on the
Berlin Wall of “The Kiss” which is a formalized ritualistic kiss
between Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German
Chancellor Erich Honaker in 1979 to end hostilities and unite
Berlin. To the surprise of many, Honaker took it to extremes.
12” x 18” Painting $600.00
Gentrification
Acrylic Mixed Media
Gentrification
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
Best in Show at The Artists Gallery "Extravagance of Color"
This represents the struggle of the poor and the destruction
of the old to make way for the new which most lower income
people can not afford. This is a very real problem in our
cities’ rent controlled dwellings which are being made
unlivable by landlords by withholding heat, refusing
repairs, allowing pest infestation, etc. so they can tear
down the old and build new for a much higher income
stream. This is evidenced by the breaking apart and
sliding down of the old building and producing numerous
new buildings (golden pyramids) to take their place.
Common sense, intelligence and compassion (the brain)
try to hold up the old but it is a losing battle in many areas.
12" x 18" Painting $750.00
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Water of Life
Acrylic Mixed Media
Water of Life
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
There are many levels to this painting. First, all clouds
have a silver lining. Second, the rain that forms the
river is coming down from the orange clouds as a
double helix (the same form as DNA and RNA) which
is the basis of life on this planet. DNA and RNA on
this planet are dextrorotatory (twists to the right).
The double helices in this painting are levorotatory
(left handed twist) and are therefore not from this
planet. Although different, they still form the “water
of life” which gives nourishment to the roots of the
plant which forms nectar consumed by the
Hummingbirds. The pyramids are oblivious to this fact
and just living their own lives in a dextrorotatory world.
12" x 18" Painting $600.00
Stairway to Heaven
Acrylic mixed media
Stairway to Heaven
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
Most Creative at the Artists Gallery "Near & Far Exhibition 2018". This painting shows the division of Heaven and Hell and the people allowed to go to each place as represented by the pyramids. Heaven bound pyramids are gold and Hell bound pyramids are red. As is evident, the gold can take the stairway to Heaven as they also prevent the red (with the help of a blue
pyramid with a badge) from taking that route. The red pyramids are directed to a different location leading to the fiery depths of hell.
12" x 18" Painting $600.00
Drone Clown of Clone Town
Acrylic mixed media
Drone Clown of Clone Town
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
This painting shows the monotony of a suburban
neighborhood (similar to the monotonous miles of
houses in Green Run) which we have seen for the past
thirty years become a way of life in this country. The
Drone Clown is in charge and the leader of this monotony.
As some may have noticed, the title of the painting is
embedded in the clouds.
12" x 18" Painting $600.00
A Higher Power
Acrylic mixed media
A Higher Power
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
This picture is of the universe and the brain is the
“Higher Power” that so many people believe in. There
is a connectivity to the “entity” above the brain which
takes it’s turn communing with the higher power and
then allows the next to take it’s turn. Although the “entities”
on the right are all gold, they get whiter after contact with
the Higher Power as they form a line to return to their
home. The “entities” on the left are also taking
their turns but become blacker after contact as they return
to their home. The Higher Power does not distinguish
between black or white. It’s only concern is communing.
The distinction between black and white is only recognized
by the entities themselves. This is a reflection of the
human condition.
12" x 18" Painting $600.00
Inner Beauty
Acrylic mixed media
Inner Beauty
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
Central to this painting is an example of one of nature’s
most beautiful products. It is the flower of a North American Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia sp.). It is held up by two women who form the partial outline of face that is far from beautiful. This shows that what is inside a person that truly matters, not what is external.
18" x 24" Painting $950.00
Exit Zero
Acrylic mixed media
Exit Zero
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
Exit 0 is the last exit on the parkway of life. It follows
the circuitous path down to the reflecting pond of
past experiences. In this, we have no choice. At
some point, barriers are set up to prevent us from
continuing in the straight line of existence in our
somewhat tumultuous world.
18" x 24" Painting $950.00
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Celestial Music
Acrylic mixed media
Celestial Music
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
What would a baby experience before he or she is born?
They would hear the soothing sound of their mother’s voice
as well as other sounds such as music, singing and other
sweet noises. They would experience what they
have? A finger or thumb to suck, a nose to scratch, a mouth to explore. floating blissfully in the
warm and comforting sensations of their mother’s womb. They might bump a kidney every now and then. I would think that they may also be contemplating their first meal before they are introduced to the bright lights and frenetic activity of reality, birth.
12" x 18" Painting $750.00
Who's the Brains of this Outfit?
Acrylic mixed media
Who’s The Brains of This Outfit?
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
What outfit is this? Is it a business, the government, a group
of people or just an outfit of clothes? The question arises as
to who or what is making the decisions. Are they the right decisions
which may have far reaching effects or are they the wrong decisions
leading to devastation?
12” x 18” Painting $700.00
Heart of the City
Acrylic mixed media
Heart of the City
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
Every space has a central area of control. Sometimes this is the brain and sometimes it is the heart, depending on the need.
12" x 18" Painting $750.00
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Periscope
Acrylic Mixed Media
Periscope
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
Periscope was conceived when I photographed the beast while boating in Back Bay in the southern part of Virginia Beach. The beast is not what it seems to be nor is the submarine what it should be.
16" x 20" Painting $850.00
MANTIS
Acrylic mixed media
Mantis
Acrylic mixed media
Mantis
Paul J. Francois DVM 2017
Mantis is a whimsical representation of this mantis which lived on some of my
plants for over a month. I would see him every day as I tended them.
As is a well known fact, the female will often bite the head off the male after mating.
As noted by the barbs on his stylized genitals, I believe we may have found out why this behavior occurs.
18" x 12" Painting $600.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
PAINTINGS ON CANVAS BY PAUL J. FRANCOIS
This group of paintings is initiated by the imagination rather than by a print or picture. Now there is no limit to what comes across on the canvas. I hope you enjoy.
Moonlight Dance
Acrylic Mixed Media
Moonlight Dance
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
Frenetic dancers under the full moon among the flowers. I guess we must wonder whether the tree wants to remain a tree or become something else. Perhaps the proffered sight will help.
24" x 30" Painting $1250.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
The Hook
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
In music, the hook is that part of a song that draws you into it. Here, the hook comes from the altar to exert it's pull. The red balloons symbolize dreams yet to be fulfilled and fragility.
16' x 20" Painting $1100.00
Fingers
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019 The disarticulation of fingers may accept or reject the noses, ears or feet.
30" x 40" Painting $2400.00
The Face
Acrylic
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
16" x 20" Acrylic Painting $680.00
Shredding
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
Shredding would probably decrease debt, both personal and national. Think about it.
16" x 20" painting $640.00
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The Sadness
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
"The sadness" is just one vision of the future if we continue with out waste and deprivation. The wings may be salvation but the egg-hands wreak havoc. A tearful view from above.
30" x 40" painting $2400.00
Global Warming
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois 2020
"Global Warming" shows the woman looking through the bars to a desolate world. Her confinement is somewhat allayed by the pitcher plants and vines.
36" x 48" Painting $2400.00
Flower of Hands
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois 2020
"Flower of Hands" is a juxtaposition of man and nature.
18" x 24" Painting $820.00
DRAWINGS BY PAUL JAMES FRANCOIS
This is a series of pencil drawings with acrylic accents. Each of these pictures diverts from the previous "industrial surrealism" by the fact that the industrial component is minor leaving the drawing as a more surrealistic representation of my imagination. I hope you enjoy these drawings as much as I did drawing them.
Sound of Silence
In February of 2019 "Sound of Silence" was selected in a national drawing competition put on by the University of Indiana.
With over 800 pieces entered from over 300 artists, 38 pieces were selected for this contemporary drawing exhibition.
ABSTRACT ACRYLIC PAINTINGS
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The Prison
Acrylic Mixed Media
16" x 20" Painting $240.00
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Captive Water
Acrylic Mixed Media
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
30" x 48" Painting $360.00
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Captive Desert
Acrylic
Paul J. Francois DVM 2019
30" x 40" Painting $310.00
DRAWINGS BY PAUL JAMES FRANCOIS
This is a series of pencil drawings with acrylic accents. Each of these pictures diverts from the previous "industrial surrealism" by the fact that the industrial component is minor leaving the drawing as a more surrealistic representation of my imagination. I hope you enjoy these drawings as much as I did drawing them.
The Sense of Smell
Pencil and acrylic
The Sense of Smell
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
This picture was inspired by these flowers. They are "Sarracenia" pitcher plant flowers; unusual, beautiful and rarely encountered. Besides vision, the sense of smell is a perfect way to experience this flower.
16" x 20" $580.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Sound of Silence
Pencil and acrylic
Sound of Silence
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
This picture is the next in my series of ideas based on the six senses. Again, it is based on the "Sarracenia" pitcher plant flowers. It is well known that plants rarely produce sound waves audible to the human ear ... unless accompanied by a singing voice.
16" x 20" $580.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Brock Center
Pencil and Acrylic
Brock Center
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
The Brock Environmental Center is one of the only totally "green" buildings in the United States. It is headquarters for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
9" x 12" $400.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Tears
Pencil and Acrylic
Tears
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
Sometimes our days are not as we would like.
9" x 12" $400.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Frenzy and a Tree Frog
Pencil and Acrylic
Frenzy and a Tree Frog
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
A tree frog watching the frenzies.
9" x 12" $250.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Keg Party
Pencil and Acrylic
Keg Party
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
The frenzies at the keg party.
9" x 12" $250.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Fruitless Struggle
Pencil and Acrylic
Fruitless Struggle
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
The labor of man. No matter how much effort you use, without a long term plan, that effort may just fall on top of you.
9" x 12" $200.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Ears and Noses
Pencil and Acrylic
Ears and Noses
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
9" x 12" $200.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00
Dog's Ass
Pencil and Acrylic
Dog's Ass
Paul J. Francois DVM 2018
Perhaps dogs are smarter than we think.
9" x 12" $250.00
11" x 14" Print $30.00
5" x 7" Print $10.00