Frances (Penny) Bledsoe-Waller

Frances Bledsoe, known to her family and friends as Penny was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where she studied art throughout her junior high and high school years, with a preference for India ink sketching and oil painting. In 1965 she applied to CCAC for a scholarship and was first runner up. Unfortunately she was unable to attend college and focused her energies elsewhere. Soon after graduating from high school she married and had two daughters. She worked as a bookkeeper from 1972 to 2001 during which time she focused primarily on raising her daughters as a single parent. She resumed painting in 1997 as a way of relieving stress. She began with oil painting instruction through Lorena Fink. She continues studying oil painting under Dana Jester, a wildlife artist from Colorado. In 1997 she began taking classes from world renowned watercolorist, Terry Madden, since she has studied with Birgit O’Connor, Nancy Collins and extensively with Jeannie Vodden in portraiture. Penny rediscovered her passion for art in watercolors. She loves the vibrant colors, freedom and peace it brings her. She is technically accomplished and able to translate the simple beauty within the complexities of the medium. Penny is eager to pass on her passion for watercolor. In 2005 she became a Madden Certified Teacher, MCT, and in the last twelve years she has been teaching her own style of painting. She loves teaching people who share a common interest and mutual excitement for art. She enjoys a student’s sense of accomplishment when they successfully complete a painting. Joining the Pinole Artisans was instrumental in getting Penny’s work seen by the public. She is a Charter member, an active board member, and served as Treasurer for fourteen years. In 2005 Penny was honored by selling her first piece and is still humbled when someone wants to buy one of her paintings! Having a supportive family who are always encouraging, helpful and extremely proud of her accomplishments continues to inspire her.