Collection: Jack Vettriano
Introduction
In the shadowy corners of the art world, Jack Vettriano emerges as a self-taught painter whose canvases whisper tales of romance, intrigue, and the human condition. Born in the mining town of St. Andrews, Fife, Vettriano's journey from coal miner to celebrated artist is as compelling as the narratives he paints. His works, often bathed in a noir-like ambiance, capture the essence of life's quiet moments, telling stories without words. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Vettriano's art doesn't shout; it seduces, drawing viewers into a world where every shadow holds a secret and every glance tells a story.
Biography
Jack Vettriano, originally named Jack Hoggan, was born on November 17, 1951, in Methil, Fife, Scotland. His early years were marked by the grit of coal mines rather than the gleam of paintbrushes. Vettriano's artistic awakening came at 21, when he received a set of watercolors for his birthday, igniting a passion that would define his life. Completely self-taught, he honed his skills away from formal art education, developing a style that's uniquely his own.
His breakthrough came in 1988 with the painting "The Singing Butler," which not only captured the public's imagination but also fetched a record price at auction for a living Scottish artist. Vettriano's paintings are distinctive for their cinematic quality, often depicting scenes of elegance, mystery, and a touch of melancholy. Despite controversy within the art establishment, his work has garnered a massive following, his prints adorning homes worldwide. Beyond painting, Vettriano has ventured into philanthropy, supporting arts education for underprivileged youth. Now living between Scotland and London, his art continues to be a narrative of human emotion, painted with the precision of a poet's pen.
Achievements
- Record Auction Price: "The Singing Butler" sold for £744,500 in 2004, a record for a Scottish painting at the time.
- Massive Popularity: His prints have sold over 12 million copies worldwide, making him one of the most commercially successful living artists.
- Royal Recognition: Awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for services to the visual arts.
- Exhibition Success: His retrospective "Jack Vettriano: A Retrospective" at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in 2013 attracted over 135,000 visitors.
- Philanthropic Impact: Established the Vettriano Scholarship to support young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Blog posts
From Coal Dust to Canvas: The Unlikely Journey of Jack Vettriano
Explore the transformation of Jack Vettriano from miner to artist.
