STAR TREK and X-Men star Sir Patrick Stewart has hailed the work of Glasgow artist Frank To, and reveals it has inspired him to pick up a paintbrush.

The Hollywood actor has long been a fan of Frank’s work, after first seeing the dramatic oil painting Fallen 10 years ago when it was on show at the University of Huddersfield, where the artist studied.

In the intervening years he has bought a number of works by Frank and the two men have forged a friendship.

They met up this week at the university when Sir Patrick was there to hand over the chancellorship to His Royal Highness the Duke of York, and Frank was unveiling Fallen, which is now on permanent display in the creative arts building.

“I have lusted after this painting since I first saw it more than 10 years ago,” said Sir Patrick. “It made a big impact on me.”

Sir Patrick revealed how his wife had recently given him brushes and paint. To begin with the face of Prof Charles Xavier from the box-office hit X-Men film series admits he was rather scared of them as he had no drawing skills.

After attempting to paint a camellia flower he discovered a new passion and was hooked.

“I am now deeply embedded in painting, never having touched a brush before,” he said, revealing that the work of Frank has been a big inspiration.

An artist with a growing reputation, Frank’s work first caught the eye of Sir Patrick when the Scot was still a student. With a keen eye for art, the actor was impressed.

Frank went on to the actor’s universally recognisable face and features to depict the Roman poet Virgil in a dramatic series of paintings based on Dante’s Inferno.

Donating his early work Fallen – which featured in his end-of-year coursework show in 2004 – meant that the painting had come full circle, according to Frank.

"It felt really emotionally lifting being back at the university where I did my degree. I first went there as a student, left as a graduate, became an alumini, and am now honoured at the university and by Sir Patrick Stewart,” said Frank.

“Ten years on, he has been not only a great patron, collector and supporter of my work, but also a great mentor and friend.

“Meeting him again in Huddersfield where it all began was emotionally overwhelming as he has done so much for me during my career."

The chair of the University Council, Chris Brown, said Frank had gone on to forge an enviable reputation as a contemporary painter.