An exhibition of new work by Francis Boag will be on show in the Just Art Gallery in Fochabers from 21st May to 17th June 2006.

Former Head of Art at Aberdeen Grammar School, Francis Boag turned his back on a successful teaching career to become a full-time professional artist in 2001. He is now considered by many to be one of Scotland’s foremost contemporary painters, exhibiting widely at home and increasingly abroad.

Since 2001 he has had exhibitions throughout the UK and also New York, Dublin, Belfast, Paris, Munich and Seattle.

Last year his paintings were also seen in Michigan, Moscow and the French and Italian Rivieras.

He is the only Scottish artist to have cards featuring his paintings included in the Fine Art collection of UNICEF with his Christmas cards last year being among their top sellers.

His best-selling prints have found their way into a host of public buildings such as airports and hospitals and his original work is increasingly sought after by large corporate collectors including John Lewis plc and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Francis says of his work;

'In my paintings, I try to awaken in the viewer, a sense of recollection and pleasure of a remembered place or half-forgotten happy memory.

There should be a feeling that what you are looking at is somewhere you remember fondly or somewhere you want to visit someday.

My still life paintings also contain elements which should evoke happy memories. For that reason champagne, flowers, fruit, ribbons and wrapped presents have all featured in recent work.

I feel that what I choose to paint is important in achieving the first crucial step of making someone stop to look at your work. One of my artist heroes is Matisse. Not only can you enjoy and appreciate his paintings as beautiful objects but perhaps on a deeper level you can imagine yourself inhabiting the sensual world he creates.

One of the best compliments I have been paid about my work was by a Professor who had bought quite a large painting. He said he had hung it on a wall at the foot of his bed so it was the first thing he and his wife saw when they woke up each day. He said it made him start each day with a smile!'

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-1 & 2-5, Sunday 2-5. All other times by appointment

The exhibition may be viewed online via our website at http://www.justart.co.uk

For further information and images please contact the gallery on 01343 820500 or email mail@justart.co.uk