Controversial self-taught Scottish painter seen as the poster boy for popular art, but frowned upon but the artistic establishment. His 1992 painting, The Singing Butler (see attached), became a best selling image in Britain.
Born in poverty in a mining area, he took up painting at the age of 21. After his wife left him, at the age of 36 he left his job in educational research, and moved to Edinburgh. There he adopted his mother’s maiden name. He applied to study Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh, but his portfolio was rejected.
However, two years later Vettriano submitted two canvases for the Royal Scottish Academy annual show. Both paintings sold on the first day and Vettriano was approached by several galleries. Further exhibitions followed in Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg. In November 1999, Vettriano’s work was shown for the first time in New York, when 21 paintings were displayed at The International 20th Century Arts Fair at The Armory. More than 40 collectors from the UK flew out for the event and all 20 paintings were sold on the opening night.
Despite a hitherto glittering and financially successful international career, in April 2010 seven out of ten paintings by Vettriano failed to sell at Sotheby’s spring auction of Scottish pictures. Those that sold did so for half their previous prices. Art experts suggested the value of Vettriano’s works needed reassessing.
Art critics delight in criticising his work as brainless erotica – some regard this attitude as art world snobbery in view of his untrained background.
He has undertaken a number of philanthropic projects.
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