Artist, 93, a 'spiritual painter'

Fran Watson might be 93 years old, but her age isn't slowing this Corning resident down.

Watson is a dedicated and driven artist whose work is on exhibit at the Red Bluff Art Gallery, as are her 11 self-published books.

The exhibit, called the "Songs of Divine Intent Collection," is what Watson calls "a spiritual journey."

"Fran has her own unique style. She developed her style as a 'spiritual painter' and 'constructionist' in the 1970s," said Ana Nelson, co-director of the Red Bluff Art Gallery. "By constructionist, I mean she builds each piece of art, glues them together and forms a complete painting. It is a unique style."

During the exhibit, Watson held book signing for her most recent book, "What If...We the People," which explores the possibility of individual transformation into a more spiritual human being.

"I truly believe that we are all basically creative geniuses at heart, using our God given creativity as a means of developing our human life, persona, and world," said Watson. "I hope my art and poetry will reflect some of that."

Watson has been painting since her early 30s, but took a hiatus when her husband developed health problems.

"I went back into my painting and writing around the time I turned 90 and after my husband passed away," she said.

The mother of one son and two daughters, all of whom live in California, Watson has five granddaughters and four great-gran children.

Born and raised in Tulare, she said she is a very spiritual person, who follows the religious path of Eckankar, which teaches "soul travel."

"This is my inspiration. I believe that all is basically spiritual," Watson said. "I am a clergywoman, a teacher of Eckankar."

The high-energy Corning resident has about 35 pieces on exhibit at the Red Bluff Gallery, but has many more pieces she would like to display.

Watson paints everyday and has 11 new pieces in the works, and well as another book.

"Fran has a lot of energy and uses it to express herself in her art and writing. She works harder than a lot of younger people and has accomplished a great deal in her life," said Nelson.

Watson formerly had art studios in Oroville and Grass Valley.

She now works out of her home studio.

"I look to the future with joyful anticipation. It has taken me a long time to 'grow-up' and I aim to make the most of it," Watson said. "I believe my work, both in painting and writing, expresses the spiritual journey have I been on in my life and reflects my positive attitude."

Her exhibit will be open through the end of February. The gallery is located at 601 Walnut St.

"But I definitely plan on having more exhibits," she said.