Falkirk artist Frank has Irish eyes smiling on his work at Belfast exhibition

Frank has certainly come a long way since his first drawings at Sacred Heart Primary School in Grangemouth, with his unique technique – which involves carefully controlled ignition of gunpowder to create powerful, atmospheric drawings – and amazing artworks earning him fans around the world.

And out of this world, if you count one of his most ardent admirers, Star Trek’s Captain Picard himself Sir Patrick Stewart.

Earning the right to show his latest work at the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition in Belfast – one of only four Scottish artists selected – Frank was over the moon when he learned all his works had been snapped up by buyers and collectors.

Frank said: “It is an honour to represent both Falkirk and Scotland at the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition showcasing the best of Scottish contemporary art. There were only four Scottish artists selected for the exhibition.

"To have my work at the Royal Ulster Academy seen as the highest calibre by a selection panel – who are some of the country’s most renowned artists – was such an honour.

"And to have sold out as well – it is a result that I’m happy with, especially during these uncertain times.“

Founded in 1879, the Royal Ulster Academy is the largest and longest established body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland. Now in its 144th year, the event remains one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland arts calendar.

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