Jack Vettriano

Jack Vettriano (1951–2025) was a Scottish painter whose evocative depictions of romance and solitude captivated a global audience. Born Jack Hoggan in Methil, Fife, he left school at 15 to work as a mining engineer, later transitioning to management services. In his early twenties, a gift of watercolours ignited his passion for painting. Self-taught, Vettriano developed a distinctive style characterised by cinematic compositions and atmospheric lighting, often featuring elegantly dressed figures in ambiguous or intimate settings.

His breakthrough came in 1988 when two of his paintings sold on the first day at the Royal Scottish Academy's annual show. This success led to exhibitions in Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York City. In 1992, his painting The Singing Butler became one of the UK's best-selling art prints, solidifying his place in contemporary art.

Despite critical dismissal by some art critics, Vettriano's work resonated with a broad audience. His paintings, such as The Innocents (1993), Bad Boy, Good Girl (1994), and After The Thrill Is Gone (1994), explored themes of love, desire and melancholy. His art was featured in various media, including books and film, and his patrons included notable figures like actor Jack Nicholson and lyricist Tim Rice.

Vettriano was honoured for his contributions to the arts, receiving an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of St Andrews. He also established a scholarship at the university to support students pursuing art.

In his later years, Vettriano lived in Nice, France, where he passed away in 2025 at the age of 73.

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Suddenly Last Summer

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Lounge Lizards II

JACK VETTRIANO (b. 1951)

Study for 'Bluebird at Bonneville'

JACK VETTRIANO (b. 1951)

Heaven on Earth

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

The Bedroom

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

A Sinister Turn of Emotion I

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Dancing Couple

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Study for 'Suddenly One Summer'

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

A Sinister Turn of Emotion II

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Midnight Blue - study

JACK VETTRIANO (B. 1951)

The Assessors

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

A Woman Must Have Everything

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Night moves

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Right Time, Right Place

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Untitled

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Playing the Party Game

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

The Perfect Gent

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Knightsbridge 7am

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

The Great Deal

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

After the Dance

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Descent into Hell

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Artist's studio

Jack Vettriano (b. 1951)

Cheating Hearts