Beach with Umbrella
by Jack Vettriano
24"h x 36"w
Jack Vettriano: Biography (1957 - 2025)
Jack Vettriano is a Scottish painter known for his evocative, cinematic paintings that often depict romantic and mysterious narratives. Born as Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, in Methil, Fife, Scotland, he grew up in a working-class family and left school at 16 to become an apprentice mining engineer. His artistic journey began relatively late in life when he received a set of watercolor paints as a gift on his 21st birthday.
Largely self-taught, Vettriano developed his distinctive style by studying the works of classic painters and honing his skills through practice. He initially exhibited under his birth name but later adopted the surname Vettriano, inspired by his Italian heritage. His breakthrough came in 1989, when two of his paintings were accepted into the Royal Scottish Academy's annual exhibition. Encouraged by this success, he pursued painting full-time.
Vettriano’s most famous work, "The Singing Butler" (1992), became one of the best-selling art prints in the UK, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. His paintings often depict elegantly dressed figures engaged in romantic or dramatic moments, set against moody, atmospheric backdrops. His style blends nostalgia with a sense of mystery, reminiscent of film noir.
Over the years, Vettriano’s works have been exhibited internationally, and he has gained a loyal following among art collectors. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the visual arts. Despite facing criticism from the traditional art establishment, his work remains commercially successful and widely recognized.
Today, Jack Vettriano continues to paint and exhibit his work, solidifying his status as one of the most popular contemporary figurative artists.