The daughter and pupil of Plácido Francés, a painter from Alicante, Fernanda took part in several public exhibitions from 1881 onwards, often successfully. The critics praised her great skill at reproducing the textures of fruit, flowers and shellfish. At the 1890 National Exhibition, she was awarded a third-class medal for Vase of Lilacs, which she proudly signed on the card lying open on the table. Seven years later, she won a second-class medal for Oysters and Birds, which was also bought by the State.