Introducing Francine Tint: A Visionary in Abstract Expressionism
For over five decades, Francine Tint has been a force in the world of abstract painting, creating works that pulse with life and movement. Her mastery of colour, texture, and composition has made her a respected name in the Abstract Expressionism UK show scene. What sets her apart is her ability to fuse vibrant hues with deeply expressive brushwork, creating paintings that exude both spontaneity and intentionality. Her work often carries a rhythmic energy, influenced by jazz music, and a striking emotional depth that distinguishes her from her contemporaries. Though widely celebrated in the United States, her influence is now reaching international audiences, with her much-anticipated UK debut at Upsilon Gallery London exhibition.
Tint’s approach to painting is intuitive and deeply personal. She allows the canvas to lead her, surrendering to the spontaneity of the process. Her belief in the power of colour and fluid motion is evident in every stroke. This method, rooted in emotional expression, resonates with viewers, creating a visual dialogue that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her commitment to the language of abstraction positions her as one of the most compelling contemporary abstract painters 2025 has to offer.
Upsilon Gallery’s 2025 Programme Launch: A Celebration of Colour and Movement
Kicking off its 2025 programme, Upsilon Gallery is shining a spotlight on Francine Tint abstract art, offering visitors an immersive experience in her bold and expressive works. The exhibition, running from early February to late March, is a tribute to Tint’s lifelong dedication to painting and her remarkable ability to translate emotion into colour.
The gallery is known for championing abstract and modern art, having previously showcased works by renowned artists such as Mark Rothko and Bridget Riley. This legacy of excellence makes it the perfect venue for Tint’s debut in the UK. This event is set to be one of the best art exhibitions in Mayfair, drawing collectors, critics, and art lovers alike. Alongside Tint’s works, pieces from Larry Poons and Helen Frankenthaler’s influence will provide a contextual backdrop, highlighting the artistic lineage that has shaped her style.
Radical Acts of Beholding: How Francine Tint Invites Deep Engagement with Art
Tint’s paintings do more than decorate walls; they command attention and provoke thought. The exhibition’s theme, “Radical Acts of Beholding,” encourages viewers to truly engage with the art, transforming the simple act of looking into an immersive experience.
In an era where fleeting digital images dominate our visual culture, Tint’s work reminds us of the power of presence. Her paintings are best experienced in person, where their colours vibrate and textures reveal themselves under shifting light. The rhythmic, almost musical quality of her brushwork creates a sensation of movement, urging the viewer to linger and absorb the energy emanating from the canvas.
Fun Fact: Francine Tint has an unconventional painting process where she listens exclusively to jazz while working. The rhythms of the music influence her brushstrokes, adding a spontaneous and dynamic quality to her compositions.
From Costume Design to Abstract Art: The Evolution of Francine Tint’s Career
Before becoming a celebrated artist, Tint was an accomplished costume designer and fashion stylist. Her early career saw her working with cultural icons such as David Bowie and Ridley Scott. While fashion was her profession, painting was her passion, something she pursued during the late hours of the night. This duality of creativity eventually led her to fully commit to her artistic practice.
Her transition from fashion to fine art is evident in her fearless approach to colour and form. Just as a designer understands how fabrics flow and interact with light, Tint applies similar principles to her canvases, creating compositions that feel alive and dynamic. Her ability to translate movement into painting sets her apart as a truly unique voice in abstract expressionism.
A Dialogue with Colour: How Tint’s Paintings Channel Energy and Emotion
Tint describes colour as a “delicious shock to the eye,” a philosophy that defines her work. Her paintings are not just visual experiences but emotional encounters. The Francine Tint abstract art collection at Upsilon Gallery explores the depth of colour as a medium for communication, each hue carefully selected to evoke specific moods and reactions.
Her recent works demonstrate a shift towards fluidity and transparency, a departure from her earlier, more layered and heavily textured approach. While her previous paintings often showcased thick, gestural strokes that built up a tangible surface, these newer works exhibit a sense of openness and movement, creating an almost ethereal quality. This transition highlights her growing interest in allowing space and light to interact more freely with colour, enhancing the emotional resonance of each piece., using thinner layers of paint to create a sense of weightlessness. Inspired by water and meditation, these pieces demand precision, requiring her to be intentional with every stroke. This delicate balance between spontaneity and control results in paintings that feel both effortless and deeply intentional.
The Influence of Masters: How Larry Poons, Helen Frankenthaler, and J.M.W Turner Shaped Tint’s Art
While Tint’s work is distinctly her own, she acknowledges the influence of several artistic pioneers. Among them, Helen Frankenthaler, known for her colour field painting, and Larry Poons, famous for his energetic, cascading dots, have played a role in shaping Tint’s artistic voice.
Beyond Abstract Expressionism, Tint draws inspiration from J.M.W. Turner, whose radical approach to light and motion resonates in her work. She also has a deep admiration for historical and prehistoric art, particularly Palaeolithic cave paintings. The connection between the ancient and the contemporary in her work adds a layer of depth that makes her paintings timeless.
Why Francine Tint’s Work Deserves a Place in Your Collection
Collectors are taking notice of Tint’s work, recognising its significance in the contemporary art landscape. Recently, one of her pieces was featured in a high-profile auction at Sotheby’s, further cementing her market value. Notable collectors, including prominent figures in the art world, have added her work to their private collections, demonstrating a growing appreciation for her distinctive style. With pieces held in over 28 museums worldwide, including The Neuberger Museum of Art and The Krannert Art Museum, her reputation continues to grow. Investing in collecting modern abstract paintings like Tint’s offers more than aesthetic pleasure; it provides a tangible connection to the evolving story of abstract expressionism.
Her ability to blend gestural energy with emotional depth makes her paintings valuable both as artistic statements and as investment pieces. As her UK presence expands, now is the perfect time for collectors to acquire her work and be part of her rising legacy.
