Jean Francis’ art is influenced by her relationship with the Owen Sound area and the stories of the Great Lakes and their once bustling ports. 

Jean's paintings reflect her fascination with the maritime history of the Great Lakes, history that she is documenting through her art. The demolition of old warehouses and foundries arouses Jean's curiosity and imagination with their ominous and foreboding qualities and are a focus for many of her recent paintings.

Jean takes photographs and does on-site drawings of her subjects at different times of the day for references to take back to her studio. She works primarily in oils and her deep connection with her subjects is evident in her abstract expressionist paintings.

Born in England, where art and the sea  were an important part of her life, Jean lives in Owen Sound and pursues her career as an artist.