Frances “Frankie” McCarty is an abstract painter born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She studied business administration and studio art at Birmingham- Southern College before working in corporate finance. While she loved the people, Frankie ultimately chose to forgo the corporate world and pick up a paintbrush. Specializing in a wide variety of subject matter, color, and implementation, she creates custom pieces that speak to clients and amplify their individual spaces. Frankie is attracted to abstract art because, like people, every piece is different and has a story worth exploring.

What or who inspired you to become an artist?

Hands down, my primary inspirations are travel and my family and friends. I love to travel – growing up I went on many adventures with my family. Experiencing other cultures, past and present, allows us to see the world and its beauty through another lens.

I come from a very artistic family. My aunt is a professional artist, and growing up most of the paintings in our house were hers. I remember going to her art exhibitions and even helped set up a few. My grandmother and my mother-in-law are interior designers, and their constant home redesigns always feature statement-making pieces of art. Art has the power to transform a space.

My mom always encouraged me to dream big on any project, think outside the box, and visualize the steps to create that vision. That’s what I enjoy most about painting. Breaking down each piece, thinking through the steps needed to complete the client’s vision, and achieve the overall look. This is also something I focus on when giving private painting lessons.

Lastly, I’d like to add a special thanks to Shane Maddox and Alden Cayse who have helped jumpstart this passion project.

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I like to paint anything and everything. The challenge of creating a variety of pieces with different subject matter, color, texture, and materials is what I enjoy most. But if I had to choose two favorite techniques, it would be paint drips and the textures I can create with a pallet knife.

How do you balance your work with family life?

Honestly, there’s not much balance. My husband, John, and I have two kids and two dogs. August through early May, I paint while my children are in school. But summertime feels more like a freefall. When I’m really excited about a project, I have a hard time sleeping and will often wake in the middle of the night with an idea. It’s like a mental itch I have to scratch. Being able to go upstairs to my home studio and work that inspiration out helps.

What do you love to do outside of your art?

I’m a wife and mom, so I do a lot of laundry and carpooling. Outside of art, my husband and I love to entertain. I also enjoy traveling, fly fishing, exercising (shoutout to my Cat Courtney girls!) and trying new restaurants. My personal motto is “Don’t threaten me with a good time!”

Connect with Frankie on Instagram @frankiemccarty.art or her website at frankiemccarty.art