Francis Boag is a Scottish contemporary artist known for his vibrant, expressive paintings that capture the essence of landscapes, cityscapes, and still life through bold colour and dynamic composition. His work is instantly recognisable for its rich, layered textures and vivid use of contrasting tones, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection. Influenced by the Scottish Colourists and post-impressionist painters, Boag infuses his subjects with an energetic and modern sensibility while maintaining a deep connection to traditional Scottish painting.
Born in Dundee in 1948, Boag trained at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, where he was mentored by notable artists such as Alberto Morrocco and David McClure. After graduating, he balanced a successful career in education with his practice as a painter, later returning to full-time art following the acclaim and demand for his distinctive style. His teaching career, which included influential periods in schools across Scotland and university-level lecturing, played a significant role in shaping his approach to art.
Boag’s paintings are characterised by their dynamic mark-making, bold colour contrasts, and semi-abstract depictions of familiar Scottish scenes. His subject matter often includes rolling hills, coastal villages, and atmospheric townscapes, rendered with a dreamlike intensity that captures both memory and place. Through a combination of acrylics and mixed media, his technique allows for a fluid and spontaneous approach, reflecting the ever-changing light and mood of his environments.
Over the years, Francis Boag has exhibited extensively in Scotland and beyond, with his work held in numerous private and public collections. His paintings continue to attract collectors and art lovers drawn to his distinctive vision and masterful use of colour. Boag’s artistic journey is one of continual evolution, maintaining his reputation as one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary painters.