FRANK BRIFFA
It was only after retiring from a long career as a biology lecturer in 1998, that Frank took up art full-time.
Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he's been painting and exhibiting widely since then.
Frank works mainly with oil on canvas and for some time now his paintings have had strong links with music.
He explains, "Links between music and the visual arts already exist – there is a shared vocabulary such as composition, colour, tonality, rhythm , texture, and chromaticism.
"The paintings that result may be based on an entire piece or to just a few bars from a large work,"
Frank bases his paintings on music which he knows well, so it is already ingrained in his mind. He doesn't need to have it playing while he works.
He says Charles Ives, is one composer who has had a particular influence.
"In making these paintings I am not primarily trying to illustrate anything – I am more concerned with trying to find a pictorial equivalent to the musical language, although in some paintings figurative elements do creep in."
Here's a small selection of his work. To find out more email Frank at .
Find him on Facebook @ FrankBriffaArt.Artist or visit his website via the button below.
 El Amor y La Muerte pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm |  St Matthew 29 oil on canvas 153cm x 122cm |  Pastoral Symphony pastel on paper 29cm x20cm |
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 Central Park in the Dark pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm |  Les Indes Galantes pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm |  Ives Quartet pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm. |
 On the Overgrown Path pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm. |  Der Abschied pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm. |  Grosse Fuge pastel on paper 29cm x 20cm |
 From the House of the Dead oil on canvas 244cm x 153cm |