Before becoming a professional artist in 1986, Francis worked at Christies auction house for 16 years, first as an assistant in the Impressionistic and Modern Picture Departments, then as Director of the Modern British Picture Departments. This experience had a huge impact on his artistic direction, feeling himself to be a part of a strong tradition he cites some of the great British painters of the 20th Century such as Paul Nash and Sir Stanley Spencer, as his artistic influences. The inspiration for his subject matter is also firmly rooted in home soil, with the British landscape proving his great love.

Preferring to work in mixed media, watercolours and waxed chalk on paper, Francis distinctive birds eye view of undulating coastlines, charming villages and crowded hillsides offers a unique and enchanting take on the constant activity of the countryside.