François Louis Thomas Francia

François Louis Thomas Francia (1772–1839) was a French watercolour painter born in Calais and famous for his shore landscapes.

He was one of the sketching society formed by Thomas Girtin about 1799,[1] and there is drawing of a moonlit landscape in the Victoria and Albert Museum dated in May of that year.

It was here that he gave lessons to Richard Parkes Bonington, whose coast scenes bear much resemblance to the later works of Francia.

[1] Francia's earlier drawings are broad and simple in execution, rich, but sombre in colour, like those of Girtin; but his later work, while still retaining its breadth and harmony, is brighter and lighter in tone, and more subtle in handling.

Though he painted landscape of different kinds, his favourite subjects were shore scenes, which he executed with great truth and beauty of aerial effect.