This Portuguese artist found his muse in the rustic charm of his hometown, where every corner held a story waiting to be told through his art. Ramsha Vistro dives in to learn more
LONG BEFORE HIS ACCLAIM AS AN ARTIST, Francisco Fonseca spent his early mornings sketching by the light of dawn, a habit that shaped his artistic passion from a young age. Born and raised in the serene landscapes of Paço de Sousa, Portugal, his artistic journey began at the tender age of five, armed with a set of gifted Caran d’Ache pencils and a passion for sketching. From those early sunrise sketch sessions to his bustling studio in Porto, Francisco’s artistic evolution has been nothing short of inspiring.
The secret behind the 30-year-old’s enchanting artworks is the whispered tales of bygone eras from his hometown; the winding streets and quaint storied houses fuel his imagination and infuse his art with both character and charm. As he paints, Francisco effortlessly blends personal memories with historical narratives, creating pieces that are as timeless as they are captivating. Through his art, he seeks to preserve cultural heritage, breathing life into myths that would otherwise be lost to time. But Francisco’s talents don’t stop at the canvas. As the co-founder of various ventures, he’s a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for community and creativity. Whether he’s painting murals or collaborating with artisans, his commitment to preserving and celebrating Portuguese culture shines through in every endeavour.
Instagram: @_francis.co
I was around five years old when I started to develop an interest in drawing.
I vaguely remember my godmother – who also used to paint and draw – giving me some Caran d’Ache coloured pencils. They weren’t new but I was so excited to have such good pencils to work with that I started drawing with them straight away. She also gave me a pack of plain, white paper which I filled up pretty quickly. I would wake up around five in the morning, before anyone else, switch on the TV and remain in bed, sketching until daylight filtered through the window. These moments undoubtedly planted the seeds that blossomed into the artist I am today.
I come from a small, rural town in interior Portugal.
After primary school, I attended an art-focused high school, where I explored various art forms beyond drawing and painting, like video and photography. This experience helped me refine my skills and prepared me for my next step: studying at the University of Fine Arts in Porto. Getting into this
