Frans Manders (Netherlands, 1939)

Frans Manders is a Dutch artist born in 1939. His artistic journey began after attending the Academy for Industrial Design in Eindhoven. Initially working as a drawer, he later transitioned to become a graphic designer and illustrator. In 1978, following a successful exhibition of his watercolors and drawings, he embarked on a path of independent artistry.

His pieces often capture the observable reality in an attractive and sometimes surreal manner. 

 

Exhibitions

His first exhibition took place on 18 December 1977 at De Zonnewijzer of the Philips Leisure Centre in Eindhoven; he exhibited with 98 watercolours and sepia drawings.

In 1978, he resigns and devotes himself fully to being an artist. Frans seeks contact with other painters and joins group Contour 80, which gathers around gallery Lambèr in Valkenswaard. He found a good teacher in the Schijndel painter Dorus van Oorschot (1910-1989). He worked intensively with him for two years, working on location every week.

A close friendship developed, resulting in a relationship that was almost like father and son. Frans owes him the fact that he gained a better eye for attractive spots in the Brabant landscape and was able to perfect his vision of this landscape.

Museum

Museum Helmond, The Netherlands

Eindhoven Museum, The Netherlands

 

Literature

'Frans Manders', published by Museum Kempenland Eindhoven