Tuesday 30 December 2008

TO BOLDLY GO TO DUNDEE EXHIBITION by The Courier 11th January 2008




DUNDEE- TRAINED artist Frank To is going from strength to strength with his latest Scottish exhibition.

Twelve of To's paintings will be featured in the highly anticipated group show "New Generations" at the Queen's Gallery, Dundee, opening on January 26.

To will be exhibiting alongside three emerging Scottish painters tipped for the top.

To (25) is already winning an enviable reputation for himself as a contemporary figurative painter, having already established a loyal following, including a number of high profile buyers. One such buyer is Star Trek's Captain Jean- Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart, who now owns five of To's paintings.

A Master graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, To has also trained in Yorkshire.

In recent years he has exhibited alongside some of the greats of the international art scene such as Peter Howson, Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst,

His work has also featured in several galleries nationwide including the Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells (2005); Beux Art Gallery, Bath (2006) and the Albemarle Gallery, London (2007).

He is now represented in New York by Witmer Fine Art that has in the past sold works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Andy Warhol.

He draws inspiration from the Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo.

It was said Michelangelo could visualise the human form within a block of marble.

To, similarly, teases out figures from initially abstract images.

To said, "I'm delighted to be one of the very few invited to do this exhibition. I hope this show will be the one of many that contributes the importance and reputation of Scottish painting in the art world."

Sunday 28 December 2008

BOLDLY GLOWING by Jan Patience, Homes and Interiors Scotland Magazine Jan - Feb 2008 issue 57 Pg 90




Glasgow School of Art rejected him twice, but determination, hard graft and a burning desire to follow in Turner's footsteps have made Frank To more than just one to watch.

Text by Jan Patience


If I was trained in matters of the mind, which I'm not, I'd say it was obvious what attracts people to Frank To's work and why, at the comparatively tender age of 25, he has attracted such a lot of attention at home, in London and in New York, where he already has an agent.

In April last year, Homes & Interiors Scotland selected Glasgow- based Frank as one of five young artists to watch and, in the intervening 18 months, demand for his paintings has soared, with a painting which would have cost £800 this time last year now sporting a £1700 price tag.

Aside from several not- so- famous notable collectors, the Shakespearian actor Patrick Stewart, best- known for his roles in Star Trek and X- Men, is a fan of his work, having first spotted him as a promising art student at the University of Huddersfield, where Frank completed his degree in Fine Art and Stewart is still Chancellor.

Stewart contacted To by email a year later, when he was studying for a Masters at Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone college, to say he wanted to buy one of his paintings. "I thought it was one of my friends playing a joke", he laughs. "I actually went online to find his official fan website and sent an email to his office asking if it was a hoax. But it wasn't. Patrick now has several of my paintings and I've been down to visit him at his house in London, where he has an amazing art collection".
It is easy to see why an actor of the calibre of Stewart would be drawn to a Frank To painting. There is drama in a Frank To painting. A brooding mental energy that sucks you in and leaves you wondering what, why, where? There is always something or someone or even part of someone emerging from the depths of one of his paintings. This is probably because this engaging, highly focused artist stirs himself into the work in a way that many of his peers- of all ages- do not.

In putting himself into the work, the viewers put themselves into it, which offers them a reassuring connection with the painting. When he talks about how his hero Michelangelo considered marble for days on end before he teased out the figure within, setting it free from its solid mass, it sounds plausible when he explains that this is his preferred method of working, too. Frank's modus operandi is to create in the first instance an abstract work which is a painting in its own right. He works quickly, layering the paint and fizzing his own energy on to the canvas in great sweeping gestures. This is the conceptual part of the To artistic process.

It continues when he drips turpentine on the surface to create a mottled textured layer and then uses whatever he has to hand- be a discarded neon light strip or whatever- to work the surface into a state of readiness.

It is only at that point that Frank steps back, furrows his brow and looks for the figure within the canvas. His figures or body parts are drafted in with a rag soaked in turpentine and this is the traditionalist part of the process, for (despite the unconventional tool), Frank is a fine draughtsman, having spent long hours sitting in galleries round Europe sketching works of the Old Masters.

One of his most prized possessions is a well- thumbed leather notebook with incredibly detailed handwritten sketches and notes taken during a four- month spell travelling in Europe and talking to artists he met along the way.

He says: "I just disappeared for four months after I left Huddersfield University. I was recovering from a broken relationship and none of my family or friends knew where I went, but I see the trip now as an important stage in my artistic development."

Many of Frank's figures pay homage to the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. He is also a prodigious reader and soaks up influence from all directions from the Geek philosophers to Dante and his box- like yet perfectly ordered studio in the W.A.S.P.S building in Dennistoun, Glasgow, is packed with books all description.

This sense of order is important to Frank To. "If you look around," he explains, "you'll see this is where I paint, this is where I keep my books, this is where I display work and this is my office area. I think it's important to approach being a professional artist in this way."

One of the most sensitive pieces in his studio when we meet in late November is a painting destined for his forth- coming show at the Queen's Gallery, Dundee entitled Time After Time, in which two clothed figures stand facing each other with a considerable gap between them. They are clad in medieval costume and, as is usual in one of Frank's paintings, theirs features obscured.

"This came out of a personal experience I had of having feelings for someone which were never realised although, as you probably pick up, there is a sense of 'what if?'"

It is this ability to place great depths of feeling within a painting that has won him many admirers in the three short years he has been working as a professional artist.

Incredibly, given his popularity, Frank was rejected by Glasgow School of Art twice. The first time was when he left school and the second time, when he applied to do a Masters after completing his degree at Huddersfield.

Happily he pitched up in Dundee, which has an international reputation for painting and suited him down the ground. "By the time I got to Dundee, I was thinking of myself as an artist," he explains. "My year out after leaving Huddersfield was my true education.

"Dundee is renowned for the painting side of things. I had heard it was rated beside the Royal College in London and I knew many of the artists who had come from there by reputation. By chance I was teamed up with the artist Calum Colvin as my tutor, which was a bit overwhelming at first to be honest. It was great for me. Calum thought I had the practical experience, but felt I lacked confidence.

"He instilled in me the need to be professional and the way he presented himself was a huge influence on me. At Huddersfield, the approach was very conceptual and it taught me how to think. In the years since then, I have learned how to paint."

Frank's work was picked up on quickly after he left Dundee, with all but one of the works in his degree show selling at London's Affordable Art Fair. "After my success there, I felt confident about approaching galleries. I felt I had an original concept and it seemed to work," he says. "I also received help in the shape of a grant from the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust. I asked myself what would be the point of all that studying if I wasn't going to give it a go and become a full- time painter," he reflects.

He attributes his family background - his Chinese- born parents were in the catering trade - to instilling in him a sense of making his chosen career work for him. Today, just two years on from leaving college, Frank is making real in- roads into his ambitions, chief among which is the desire to be made a member of the Royal Academy by the time he is 30. "Turner was admitted by the time he was my age, so I won't be the youngest ever, but that is a real burning desire of mine," he admits.

As well as being represented by the notable Albemarle Gallery in London, he is also moving towards making an impression in America, following in the footsteps of eminent Scots artists such as the Scottish Colourists and the so- called New Glasgow Boys.

A collector of his work put him in touch with New York agent Michel Witmer who had admired a painting of his when he visited her home. "He represents mainly dead artists like Andy Warhol," To says with a laugh.

"I went over to New York, with a painting under my arm to meet him, which was a challenge when it came to Customs, and he now represents me over there." His next exhibition in Scotland is a mixed show at the Queen's Gallery in Dundee, starting on January 26. As well as armfuls of talent, To is a resourceful young man, who knows he has to stay focus to stay ahead of the game.

For more information on the forthcoming exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Dundee, in which Frank To is exhibiting alongside work by Kim Scouller, Douglas Ralston and Jane Cruikshank, Dundee, visit www.queensgallery.co.uk

S.T.V Interview With Frank To Fine Artist


Interview by Nige Buckland

Scottish artist Frank To talks about his abstract paintings and recent RBS Young Entrepreneur nomination.

To watch the interview, please click here

Thursday 25 December 2008

BRUSH WITH SUCCESS by Scottish Field October 2007




BRUSH WITH SUCCESS


Glasgow born artist Frank To is going from strength to strength since graduating from Dundee Art School. At 25, To is already winning an enviable reputation for himself as a contemporary figurative painter, having established a loyal following, including a number of high profile buyers. One such buyer is Star Trek legend, Patrick Stewart who now owns five of To's paintings. Additionally, STV has snapped up some of his work to be featured on detective drama, Rebus this autumn.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

AWARD CHOICE A STROKE OF GENIUS by Andy Newport, THE PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS 15th September 2007


Artist now knows he can bank on his talent

By Andy Newport


A young artist's face was a picture after he walked away with a top business award and a £600 cash boost.

Frank To, founder of F. To Fine Art, was all smiles after her beat the business talents of Paisley's best young start- ups to win the 2007 regional final of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and The Royal Bank of Scotland Business Awards

Frank, 25, decided he wanted to become a full- time artist in 2005 having completed his Masters in Fine Arts at Duncan of Jordanstone Art School in Dundee.

With support from PSYBT, in his first year of being self employed, Frank took part in more than 30 exhibitions, with some of his works being exhibited alongside Britain's best contemporary artists from the 20th century.

Counting Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart among his clients, Frank is commanding premium prices for his works which are becoming much sought after, both in the U.K and in the States.

The awards ceremony, which took place at Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, was attending and supported by RBS banking manager George Kenney, who presented Frank To with the £600 cheque.

He will now be considered by the judging panel to go forward for the national final in Glasgow in November.

Six of the 18 regional winners will be selected to compete for the coveted national title of PSYBT and Royal Bank of Scotland Young Entrepreneur of the Year, with the opportunity to win £1500.

The runner- up in the awards is Paisley girl Pauline Clifford, founder of Starsparkles,

Pauline set up her business producing customised training shoes originally for the Qube shop in Glasgow.

The shoes are individually decorated with Swarovski crystals and can retail at £200 per pair.

Pauline's sparkling designs have already been snapped up by Madonna and Paris Hilton and a number of well known high street retailers such as Office and she is actively marketing in the United States.

She was presented with the runner- up prize of £300- sponsored by Renfrewshire Council- by Provost Celia Lawson.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT regional manager Tony Dorrington said: "To recognise and celebrate the success of young entrepreneurs who are creating wealth, and who are making a positive contribution to their local community with this business award, is a privilege for all of us involved and a great inspiration to others. We wish them well in the finals."

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art

STARSTRUCK BY FRANK'S WORK By Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner 25th Aug 2007







By Emma Davison

STAR TREK legend Patrick Stewart boasts a fine art collection.

But while the Mirfield-born star has his pick of works by the world's top artists, he doesn't have to travel the universe to find some of his favourites.

Frank To, a fine art graduate from Huddersfield University, is deeply admired by Patrick and has sold him five of his paintings since graduating from his course three years ago.

And, unsurprisingly, the Royal Shakespeare Company actor prefers his art to have a theatrical quality.

Frank first came face-to-face with Patrick, the university's chancellor, at his end-of-course show.

He said: "I was putting the finishing touches to my work before the show and my tutor came in and asked me if I wanted to meet Patrick, who was having a sneak preview of the degree show.

"He told me he was completely blown away by my work, and the style and scale of it.

"We got talking about it in some depth, and after the show he got back in touch with me and requested some paintings.

"He enjoys the emotional impact of my work and the pieces of mine he has collected are very emotive.

"They are quite dark and have a Shakespearean quality to them. One has a visual reference to the Tempest.

"Patrick doesn't tell me what he wants; he lets me be myself. Because he's an actor and I'm an artist we're both trying to express our unique voices in our own fields.

"He understands the importance of being individual and not just producing work that is a copy of something else.

"He is now a great supporter of my work and makes the effort to come and see me when I'm exhibiting in London."

The admiration he has gained from the star is just another feather in the Glasgow-born artist's cap.

Aged just 25 and back living in Glasgow, he is already winning an enviable reputation for himself as a contemporary figurative painter. He has exhibited alongside some of the greats of the international art scene, including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Frank says he owes a big part of his success to the time he spent at the university, the only one in Britain to offer a fine arts and business BA degree course.

He said: "I owe my success to the university. It gave me the solid foundation and inspiration for becoming an artist.

"Huddersfield gave me the essential foundations to do my paintings and helped me develop my work, which is still drawn from my final year there.

"The achievements I have gained after leaving the university are more than some people who graduate from top institutes like the Royal College of Art.

"Having the talent is not enough to survive as an artist - you have to know how to use it. And this is where the university helped me, by teaching me how to promote and market myself.

"The staff were fantastic, and gave me the support and encouragement I needed to establish myself as an artist.''

Since graduating his work, which sells for £2,000 a piece, has featured in several national art fairs and shows. He is now represented by the New York art dealer Michel Witmer, who has in the past sold works by Picasso, Van Gough and Andy Warhol.

In spite of his success Frank is determined not to forget Huddersfield and, like Patrick, champions it wherever possible.

He said: "Whenever I travel to exhibitions in places like London or New York I always emphasise that I am there because of Huddersfield.

"To me Huddersfield is more than a small town, because it's the place where I found my edge in painting.''

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art.

Monday 22 December 2008

OUR BRUSHES WITH SUCCESS by Graeme Lennox Sunday Mail 27th May 2007




By Graeme Lennox

Frank's work is inspired by Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

The 25- year-old, from Paisley, has sold four paintings to Star Trek Patrick Stewart and his work will feature in an upcoming episode of Rebus.


How I did it: When I was 17 I became depressed. I was going through psychotherapy, but I found that nothing helped me express myself like painting.

My career as an artist took off before the end of my Masters degree at Duncan of Jordanstone Art School in Dundee. Patrick Stewart came to a show and was blown away by the power of the paintings. He now owns four pieces.

Last year was my first year as a full- time artist. I participated in nearly 30 exhibitions, was one of the top five fine art graduates in Scotland and exhibited beside Peter Howson.

2007 is shaping up to be another good year. I have established a connection with a US art dealer and two of my paintings were selected by S.T.V for Rebus- they will be hung in Ken Stott's Leith flat.

Perks: Art turned my life around and defines my existence.

Five Year Plan: The Albemarle Gallery in London have agreed to show my wok this week. It's one of the most prestigious in the U.K so it's a great honour.

Tips: The first few years of an artist's life are tough, but you have to believe and have confidence in yourself.

For more information please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art.

STAR- STUDDED FAN CLUB by Helen Brown, The Courier 21st May 2007




By Helen Brown

DUNDEE- TRAINED
, Glasgow born artist Frank To is showing work in a major exhibition at the Queens Gallery, Dundee.

At 25, he is already winning an enviable reputation for himself as a contemporary figurative painter with a loyal- and impressively high- profile following.

Three of his canvases have been beamed up into the collection of Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart- the cult TV show's Captain Jean- Luc Picard- and more recently Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, creator of maverick Edinburgh detective John Rebus, has shown an interest in the work of this up-and-coming artist.

A Masters graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art who also trained in Yorkshire, he has exhibited alongside such greats of the Scottish and international art scene as Peter Howson and his work has also featured in the London Art Fair, at shows in Harrogate, Chelsea, Edinburgh and Glasgow and in the collection of Dundee University.

This is his first solo gallery exhibition and consists of all new work- but with an underpinning of subjects he has been itching to paint for some time.

He explained, "I've been trying to get this off my chest since I travelled through Europe in 2002. I did a lot of drawings while I was there, inspired by the Old Masters especially which is something I'd actually read a lot about. There's great book, Vasari's LIVES OF THE ARTIST, which is like a contemporary biographical account of some of the greatest renaissance painters that influenced me a lot, especially when I read about Michelangelo.

"I was inspired by the idea that Michelangelo could visualise the human form within a block of marble and used his artistic skills to 'free' it, and I wanted to explore the idea of teasing out figures from initially abstract images.

"I work in two distinct ways. First, I use broad sweeping brush strokes to create the abstract starting points, then more precise brushwork to turn the abstract into something more figurative."


Although he is becoming known for his highly individual style based on the human form, Frank's approach actually combines the best, as far as he is concerned, of two very different painting styles.

He explained, "The course I took in Yorkshire, at Huddersfield, wasn't a traditional one, it was much more a conceptual course. It wasn't until I did my Masters at Dundee which has a strong reputation in the traditional approach that I found I could mix the two elements into something that was really mine.

"It's like alchemy in a way, putting these elements together to make something new."

Currently busy on a major private commission for a Texan client, achieved through a New York art dealer who has represented legendary names such as Andy Warhol and Jean- Michel Basquiat, Frank is also working in his Glasgow studio for a showcase of Scottish painting at the Modern Artists Gallery in Berkshire and has an opportunity to create work for the Albemarle Gallery in London, one of the art world's most prestigious venues.

"The Texan commission happened after a visit to America in February and it's really interesting- I've never met the client but they apparently have an art collection featuring Picasso and Monet.

"I'm beginning to take a bit more of a gamble with my work this year. I graduated in 2005 and took part in lots of shows throughout 2006 to get a name and get my work out there. Now, in my second year, I feel I'm developing and taking it further.

"Lots of opportunities are coming together so I think things are at a bit of a crucial stage. Failure is not an option so I'm working out how best to tackle this successfully as I can."


For more information please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist

Sunday 21 December 2008

ARTIST'S CAREER IS ON TREK BY By Ross McKinnon, West End Life 1st Nov 2006



Painter to stars opens new show


By Ross McKinnon

AN ARTIST whose admirers include Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart is staging an exhibition in the West End.

Frank To, 24, has already sold of his creations to the actor best known for his role as Captain Picard in the T.V sci- fi series.

Now some of Frank's work can be viewed at Mansfield Park Gallery on Hyndland Street in the exhibition entitled Figuratively Speaking.

Frank said: "I met Patrick after my degree show and was slightly hung-over at the time as I had been celebrating.

"When he came in I sobered up pretty quickly. He's a fan of art and liked what he saw of my paintings.


My relationship with Patrick took off from there and last year he bought my work for his own collection."

Now the young painter is enjoying an exhibition in the West End alongside the work of renowned Glasgow artist Peter Howson.

Frank admitted his success over such a short period of time has pleasantly surprised him.

He said: "I'm working non- stop at the moment and have had several exhibitions in London which have sold out.

"It's a great honour to have my paintings shown next to Peter Howson, who is someone I admire.

"My art is also very dark and based on an unusual approach. My painting begins as an abstract with no formal structure before I use specific technique to tweak the figure out of the painting.

"My method is more like sculpture. It can be hit or miss and is very instinctive."

Frank may be making waves in the art scene but the artist, who was rejected by Glasgow School of Art, knows how to keep his feet on the ground- by working in his family's Chinese takeaway restaurant, Mearns Wok, in Ayr Road, Newton Mearns.

He said: "I help out occasionally when they are understaffed. It teaches me to be humble because it's easy to get carried away.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to hang up any of the paintings in the restaurant- it might put customers off their food."


The self- employed artist paints in the WASP studio in Dennistoun and graduated from Huddersfield University with a fine art in painting and drawing degree before completing his MA in fine art at Dundee's Duncan Jordanstone College last year.

IT'S STILL LIFE....BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT, CAPTAIN by Natalie Elliott, The Daily Mail, 28th October 2006


Star Trek star snaps up canvases by student a top art school turned away

By Natalie Elliott

STAR TREK legend Patrick Stewart has declared the work of a Glasgow School of Art reject to be "out of this world".

Frank To, 24, has sold three canvases to the actor who played Captain Jean- Luc Picard in the cult sci- fi series.

The artist, who was turned down when he applied to study at Glasgow School of Art, graduated from Huddersfield University with a BA honours in painting and drawing before completing his MA in fine art at Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College last year,

Mr To said: "I met Patrick after my degree show in Huddersfield and was slightly hungover at the time as I had been celebrating.

"But when he came in I sobered up pretty quickly. He's a fan of art and liked what he saw of my paintings.

"Our relationship took off from there and last year he bought my work for his own collection."

Mr To is currently taking part in an exhibition in Glasgow's West End alongside celebrated painter Peter Howson.

He said: "I'm working non- stop at the moment and have had several exhibitions in London which have sold out. It's a great honour to have my paintings shown next to Peter Howson, who I admire. My art is also very dark and has an unusual approach.

"It begins as abstract, with no formal structure, before I use a more specific technique to tweak the figure out of the painting."

Mr To, who lives in Newton Mearns, near Glasgow, may be rubbing shoulders with celebrities, but still finds time to work in his family's Chinese restaurant, Mearns Wok.

He said: "I help out occasionally when they are understaffed. I can't say no, I'd feel guilty. Besides, it teaches me to be humble.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to hang up any of the paintings in the restaurant- it might put people off their food."

Jim Birrel, who is responsible for undergraduate admissions at Glasgow School of Art, said: "Obviously, we don't have a monopoly on graduates. We are happy to see any artist doing so well. I wish him all the best."

ART SCHOOL REJECT BOLDLY GOES SKY- HIGH IN CAREER by Ross McKinnon, The Evening Times Oct 27th 2006


By Ross McKinnon

STAR TREK
legend Patrick Stewart has declared the work of a Glasgow School of Art reject to be "out of this world".

Frank To, 24, has sold three canvases to the actor best known as Captain Picard in the TV series.

The self- employed artist works in Wasp studio in Dennistoun and graduated from Huddersfield University with a BA honours in painting and drawing before completing his MA in fine art at Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College last year,

Frank said: "I met Patrick after my degree show in Huddersfield and was slightly hungover at the time as I had been celebrating.

"When he came in I sobered up pretty quickly. He's a fan of art and liked what he saw of my paintings.

"Our relationship took off from there and last year he bought my work for his own collection."


Now the young painter is enjoying an exhibition in the West End alongside famous Glasgow artist Peter Howson.

Frank admitted his success has pleasantly surprised him.

He said: "I'm working non- stop at the moment and have had several exhibitions in London which have sold out. It's a great honour to have my paintings shown next to Peter Howson, who I admire.

My art is also very dark and has an unusual approach. It begins as abstract, with no formal structure, before I use a more specific technique to tweak the figure out of the painting."

Frank may be making waves in the art scene but he knows how to keep his feet on the ground- by working in his family's Chinese restaurant, Mearns Wok.

He said: "I help out occasionally when they are understaffed. I can't say no -I'd feel guilty. Besides, it teaches me to be humble.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to hang up any of the paintings in the restaurant- it might put people off their food."

Frank's work can be seen at Mansfield Park Gallery, Hyndland Street, until November 18 in the show, Figuratively Speaking.

Jim Birrel, who is responsible for undergraduate admissions at Glasgow School of Art, said: "Obviously, we don't have a monopoly on graduates. We are happy to see any artist doing so well. I wish him all the best."

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art

Saturday 20 December 2008

BACK TO SCHOOL... WITH A GIFT by By Lucy Whyte (Southside Extra Paper 12/10/06)



By Lucy Whyte

SOUTHSIDE artist Frank To has taken the time to give something back to the school where his passion for painting was first ignited.

The 24- year- old from Newton Mearns has gifted St Ninian's High one of his most valuable paintings in an attempt to inspire future artists.

Frank told The Extra: "I want to encourage Southside youngsters who are thinking about becoming artists of any kind to follow their dream. Lots of people are too scared to go for it because they believe it will be too difficult to become a success. But if you have enough talent and determination, nothing should stop you."

Frank began selling his work while he was still at university in Huddersfield and during his masters at Dundee University.

With high- profile fans like actor Patrick Stewart- who owns three of Frank's paintings - his works usually sell for over £2000.

Frank told The Extra: "I took a year out of university and travelled around Europe where I did some self training. I visited all the major art galleries and copied the works of the masters, I then came back home to Glasgow and did some work experience with artists before going back to complete my degree."

His year out definitely paid off as Frank graduated with the highest degree mark in his class.

Frank thinks he's created his own unique style.

He added: "I approach painting in the same way a sculptor would approach a block of stone or wood. I try to bring the form out of the painting, rather than paint around a structure."

Frank is preparing for a five month tour of the UK's galleries, and there are even plans for his work to be displayed in New York.

Despite his rise to fame the former East Renfrewshire schoolboy is most excited about being honoured in his own community.

He added: "I'm in the running for an East Renfrewshire youth festival Oscar award- which is such an honour. I don't even know who nominated me so I got a very pleasant surprise when I received the letter."

For more information please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist

Friday 19 December 2008

FACE THE FUTURE By Catherine Coyle, Homes and Interiors Scotland Magazine Issue 46 March/ April


By Catherine Coyle

Buying art from up- and - coming talents is an exciting prospect
. For the last ten years, Edinburgh's Leith Gallery has scoured the country's art colleges, picking the best pieces from rising stars, and exhibiting them at its New Faces show. Catherine Coyle has the lowdown on some of this year's artists who are tipped for the top.

Frank To
DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE

Twenty- four- year- old Frank To graduated with a masters in fine art from Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone college in last September and has since enjoyed huge success, particularly in London. To was rejected from Glasgow School of Art twice when he applied to do his undergraduate and masters course there. He was also turned down by some of the city's major art galleries as a student, but has witnessed massive interest in his work outside Glasgow. His abstract style featured in 11 exhibitions throughout the UK during 2005 and 2006 is already shaping up to be a busy year for the young artist. Drawing on literary influences such as the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, To explores the boundaries between figurative and abstract forms. He describes his style as "improvising with the activity of painting", and likens his method of visualising the subject matter prior to painting to that of Michelangelo. Currently its youngest exhibitor, To is now represented by London's Fairfax Gallery, and can count actor Patrick Stewart as a collector. His paintings range from in price from £450 to £900.

For more information, please visit the offical website of Frank To Fine Artist

Thursday 18 December 2008

FRANK'S DRIVE MAKE IT SO


Artist with celebrity following realises career dream with the help of P.S.Y.B.T.

When controversy was beginning to envelop the recent Glasgow Art Fair, there was at least one artist from whom the squabbling was immaterial.

While some were arguing that the art fair ought to favour Scottish galleries, Frank To was only too happy to be on both sides of the division – a local artist represented by a London Gallery.

Supported by the PSYBT office in Paisley, Frank only completed his Masters degree in Fine Art last year, but already enjoys the representation of the prestigious Fairfax Gallery in London, the thrill of having his work sell out and being noticed by the rich and famous.

Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart (pictured) has already bought a couple of pieces, courtesy of a relationship that goes back to Frank’s student days. While Frank was studying for his undergraduate degree at the University of Huddersfield, Stewart was the University’s chancellor.

Things are now developing exactly as Frank planned it. Whilst at Duncan of Jordanstone College of art in Dundee, he focused on making himself known in the art world by sending out photographs and slides of his work to galleries and prospective customers and the response was very encouraging.

After all that studying, Frank approached PSYBT because he wanted to put his years of training to the test. “I asked myself what would be the point of all that studying if I wasn’t going to give it a go and become a full time painter.”

Tipped for the top in the lifestyle magazine, Homes and Interiors Scotland – which recently selected its top five arts graduates in Scotland – Frank is now hopeful that, with London now taking notice, so might New York.