In my work as a painter, I work to describe light and space. I distill my observations of
the world into compositions that reveal the essential of the subject. I believe my work
as an architect informs the abstract, layered approach to depth in the paintings.
Frances Campani is a painter and an architect. Human figures, landscape and
still life are the vehicles used by Campani to structure compositions in painting
and drawing. “I seek to reveal the essential in in my work.”
She studied painting at the Art Students’ League in NYC and at the Scuola
Statale d’Arte in Siena, Italy, as well as apprenticing to the late painter Mary
Rose Palau of Northport, L.I. She received her B.A. in Art History and History
from SUNY Stony Brook and her Master of Architecture from Columbia University
G.S.A.P.P.
Campani retired as Associate Professor of Architecture at NYIT in 2026. She
has taught Design Studios at all levels and various drawing classes both at NYIT
and Columbia University GSAPP.
Campani is a registered architect. Most recently she is a partner in Campani and
Schwarting Architects, with Jon Michael Shwarting, in Port Jefferson, NY. That
collaboration has been distinguished through awards for affordable housing
solutions and mixed-use projects. The firm currently works with a number of civic
and non-profit groups to improve public space and buildings in their communities.
They have also worked on the rescue and reconstruction of the Aluminaire
House (Kocher and Frey, 1931) and recently published a book on the history and
significance of the house.
Campani sees her work in painting and architecture as equally important and
mutually sustaining.