Frances Cranmer Greenman (1890-1981)

Hiro Fine Art is interested in purchasing artwork by Frances Cranmer Greenman.

Frances Cranmer Greenman is known as a portrait artist and columnist who was an important member of society in Minneapolis with a colorful personality. Though she is not well known throughout the country, she was a local celebrity during her life.

She was born in 1980 in a log cabin in South Dakota, but was well traveled. She was often flying from coast to coast regularly for work as a columnist for the Tribune or painting in New York with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase. Yet, she moved to Minneapolis in her ‘20s and called it home. She was able to be a sophisticated cosmopolitan while maintaining her midwestern charm.

In the first few decades of the 20th century, most artists had their studios in downtown Minneapolis. Due to development and economic factors, she was amongst the first group of artist who moved south to today’s main arthub around the Lynlake and Whittier area. She eventually moved into another studio which she painted black from floor to ceiling to create a good environment for portrait sitting. She painted the rich and famous, hollywood stars, politicians, and the local Minneapolis icons of the time. She used her bold and eccentric style in these works, but also explored social issues. She passed on her knowledge to students while she taught at the Minneapolis School of Art for several years.