Frank Pierce

Frank’s exceptional talent and passion for art were recognized early on by his parents, who encouraged him, and by teachers who often found him sketching instead of completing assignments. His artistic promise led to his first show at just nine years old, hosted by the art department at UNC-Chapel Hill.

In high school, a dedicated art teacher introduced Frank to oil painting, and by the age of sixteen, he had sold his first oil painting. His artistic journey continued during his service in the Air Force in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he worked as an illustrator. During this time, he also developed expertise in studio lighting and darkroom techniques under the mentorship of the base photographer.

After completing his military service, Frank pursued freelance illustration while expanding his knowledge through photography and design classes at NC State in Raleigh in 1975.

Over the years, Frank has built an impressive career as a fine artist, freelance photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer. He relocated to Moore County in 1988, where he has remained deeply immersed in the visual arts. In 2002, he established his studio on Broad Street in Southern Pines, later expanding it in 2010 to include a fine arts gallery. Today, Frank is the proud owner of Eye Candy Gallery, which features a frame shop, a graphic design studio, a fine arts print shop, and an art classroom.

Frank’s remarkable skill set spans various artistic styles and mediums. He is frequently seen painting at the gallery, where his diverse subject matter includes local scenes, vibrant landscapes, and captivating still-life works. An accomplished portrait artist, Frank’s talent for creating expressive and detailed portraits has earned him widespread recognition. He is currently accepting portrait commissions, with examples of his work available on his dedicated portraiture website.