About Frank

Frank’s interest and talent in art was spotted early by his parents who encouraged him, and by his teachers who were often dismayed when he was drawing rather than completing school assignments. His first show, at the age of nine, took place at the art department at UNC-Chapel Hill.

A high school art teacher led him to painting in oils and he sold his first oil painting at the age of sixteen. Later, during his tenure in the Air Force in the late 60s and early 70s, Frank worked as an illustrator. During this same time, he befriended the base photographer and learned studio light and darkroom techniques.

After his military service, Frank worked as a freelance illustrator. In 1975, he took

photography and design classes at NC State in Raleigh.

Frank has spent his working life as a fine artist, freelance photographer, illustrator and graphic designer. He moved to Moore County in 1988 and continued to work in the visual arts. In 2002, Frank opened his studio on Broad Street in Southern Pines and, in 2010, added a fine arts gallery. Frank now owns Eye Candy Gallery & Framing which includes a custom frame shop, a graphic design house, an art classroom, and a fine arts print shop.

He began teaching in his studio in 2008 and moved his classes to the gallery

when it opened in 2010. His one constant great joy in life is art, and it

pleases him immensely to pass on that joy by teaching others. “I’ve worked in oils for nearly 60 years and I still learn something new every time I pick up a brush,” says Pierce. “When a subject attracts me I wonder what that would look like in paint. The creative process is the result of an insatiable curiosity. It is the feel

of putting paint to canvas. It is the thrill of watching something beautiful happen where there was nothing.”

Frank can frequently be found painting in his studio located above the gallery. His subject matter is unlimited although he favors local images and colorful landscapes. Skilled at everything from abstract to still life, Frank is also an exceptional and noted portrait artist. He is currently accepting portrait commissions.