NICHOLAS ANGELO
FINE ART

FRANK BASS - English - Canadian  (1915 - 1990)

Frank Greatorex Bass was born in Southport, England in December 1915.  He had a keen passion for art and spent four years at the Southport School of Art where he was awarded a major art scholarship.  He Then attended the Slade School of Fine  Arts, University College, London, where he earned a Diploma of Fine Arts in Drawing, Painting and Design in 1939.  In 1940 he attended London University where he received the Art Teacher's Diploma from the Institute of Education.  When the war broke out Frank enlisted in the Royal Air Force where his time was spent in Camouflage Design.

After the war Frank continued to draw and paint and submitted a painting to the Royal Academy of Art which was accepted.  This was quite an achievement as the Royal Academy only accepted the very best art.

In 1957 Frank and his family emigrated to Canada, settling in Victoria.  Frank taught art at Mt. View Secondary School until his retirement in 1971.  Frank taught and influenced many well known artists.  He taught "Life Drawing" classes from his hme and became a well respected master of his profession. 

In the early 1980's Frank was made an Honorary member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.  Frank was approached by the Christ Church Cathedral and asked to paint a mural of the "Resurrection", which may be seen in the crypt.  He also painted the oil at the Second Station of the Cross, depicting Christ taking up the Cross, and this painting is hanging in St. Andrews Cathedral in Victoria.

Frank exhibited his work at Maples Gallery, The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Gordon Street Gallery, Nunavut Gallery, all in Victoria, also Gainsborough Galleries in Calgary, Alberta.

Frank's style was realism and the major influences in his life were drawings of the "Old Masters," French Impressionists and the early schol of English Watercolourists.  Frank's early paintings concentrated on the beauty of the English countryside and the Lake District.  Later, his love of Vancouver Island scenery including Goldstream Park and the Saanich Peninsula were the sudject for his oils, pastels and watercolours.  Frank painted right up to his sudden death in September of 1990.

Frank left a wonderful legacy to his children and the remaining paintings and drawings will be a tribute to art collectors and admirers.  His tranquil works reflect a man of monumental talent and peace of heart.

Scratchboard - Cabin

Signed - 1976