Vettriano, originally known as Jack Hoggan, was born on 17 November 1951 in Methil, Fife. Despite initially pursuing a career in mining engineering after leaving school at 15, his passion for painting was ignited when his girlfriend gifted him a box of watercolours for his 21st birthday.
As a self-taught artist, Vettriano honed his skills by emulating the works of old masters, impressionists, surrealists, and a myriad of Scottish artists. He found inspiration at Kirkcaldy Galleries, where he dedicatedly studied paintings by renowned artists like Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart, often wary of arousing suspicion from the gallery staff.
However, it wasn’t until 1998 when Vettriano gained recognition with his submission of two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, both of which were sold on the first day. This success encouraged him to pursue a full-time career as an artist.
Over the years, Vettriano’s paintings have garnered international acclaim, leading to exhibitions in cities like Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York. Among his most celebrated works is the 1992 painting “The Singing Butler,” which depicts an elegant couple dancing on a windy beach accompanied by their butler and maid.
In 2004, this iconic painting was sold at auction for a record-breaking £744,800, making it the highest-selling Scottish painting of its time and the most expensive painting ever sold in Scotland.
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