A professional painter for more than 25 years Frances has exhibited regularly throughout Scotland, London and abroad. Paintings by Frances Macdonald are in several important private collections at home and abroad as well as corporate collections including Fleming's Scottish Collection. Frances Macdonald exhibits at London's Portland Gallery and The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. A selection of Frances' paintings are usually on show and available to buy at the Crinan Hotel.

When not painting, Frances helps run the Crinan Hotel with her Husband Nick Ryan and her son Ross Ryan, also a noted Scottish artist.

Collectors of paintings by Frances Macdonald’s love her ability to capture the drama of the landscapes and coastlines in Argyll and the Western Isles.

Like Peploe and Cadell, Frances Macdonald finds delight in the juxtaposition of angular rock and white sand. Her use of the palette knife creates a dynamism and animation in each painting.