Jack Vettriano is a Scottish painter born in 1951, known for his paintings depicting the United States of the 1950s and 1960s, reminiscent of film noir scenes. He grew up in modest circumstances and taught himself to draw by looking at art books and copying famous paintings. He worked as an engineer before devoting himself entirely to painting at the age of 29.
“Parlor of temptation”, 2004, screen printing
Scottish painter Jack Vettriano is Britain’s most popular and sought-after contemporary painter: the rich and famous are on his long waiting list for his latest works, and global stars like Jack Nicholson are among his collectors.
“Game on”, 1999, oil on canvas
At the same time as David Beckham, he received the Order of the British Empire from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Jack Vettriano‘s breakthrough came in 1988, when he entered his paintings in the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual exhibition. On the very first day, the paintings were already sold.
“Contemplation of betrayal”
In the years that followed, his painting matured, and collectors’ interest continued to grow. His work has been exhibited extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia.
“Proposition”, 2017
“Night in the city”
Jack Vettriano paints scenes with one or more characters, which almost resemble film stills and always tell a little story.
“Dancer for money”
“Game of power”
His highly realistic style of painting has become his trademark, with an aesthetic reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s.
“The room of a stranger”
“Private dancer”
“Table for one”
Jack Vettriano succeeds in creating a lively atmosphere in his paintings, but always leaves plenty of room for the viewer’s imagination.
“Exit Eden-Cannes”
“The look of love”
“Dance Me To The End Of Love”
“The blue gown”
“Bad boy-Good girl”
“A Voyage Of Discovery”
“Suddenly One Summer”
“Bluebird at Bonneville”
“After midnight”
“Red room”
“Power games”
“After the party”
“The letter”
“The twilight zone”
“Devotion”
“The Singing Butler” is a 1992 oil on canvas by Scottish artist Jack Vettrian. It sold at auction in 2004 for £744,500, which at the time was the record for a Scottish painting and for any painting ever sold in Scotland.
My love
for figuring out my desires
Putting your lips to the sky of your words like a star
Your kisses in the living night
And the trail of your arms around me
Like a flame of conquest
My dreams are clear and perpetual.
And when you’re not there
I dream that I sleep, I dream that I dream.
The dream (Paul Eluard)