Francis Boag

Francis Boag, born in Dundee, began his artistic journey at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in the late 1960s, where he was taught by influential figures, Alberto Morrocco and David McClure. Their impact is clear in his bold use of colour and expressive brushwork. Alongside a highly successful teaching career, culminating as Head of Art at Aberdeen Grammar School, Boag continued to paint. A significant shift in his style emerged after his move to the North East when his work became more impressionist in style. His emotional response to landscape is characterised by bold colours and quirky collage.

A major commission from John Lewis in 1999 allowed Boag to take a sabbatical from teaching and pursue an MA at Gray’s School of Art - a pivotal moment that deepened his engagement with contemporary art practice. The evolution of his work during this time was met with strong commercial success, leading him to become a full-time professional artist by 2001. Since then, Boag has established himself as a leading figure among the new "Scottish Colourists", exhibiting widely across the UK and internationally in New York, Paris, Munich, and Sydney. His work is held in prestigious collections in Scotland and Ireland, as well as numerous universities, museums, and corporate collections—including multiple large-scale acquisitions by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

In addition to his gallery success, Boag’s vibrant images have reached global audiences through limited edition prints and charity collaborations. He is the only Scottish artist represented in UNICEF’s Fine Art collection, with his 2015 Christmas card design raising over £35,000 for the organisation. His joyful, expressive paintings continue to resonate with a diverse international audience.