Jack Vettriano OBE Hon LLD (British, born 1951) Artist in the Studio (Painted in 2001)

Jack Vettriano OBE Hon LLD (British, born 1951) Artist in the Studio signed 'VETTRIANO' (lower right) oil on canvas 76.2 x 61cm (30 x 24in). Painted in 2001 Footnotes: Provenance With Portland Gallery, London. Private Collection, Ireland. The story of Vettriano's introduction to painting is tinged with the romance, which pervades his work. After leaving school at 15, he followed his father down the mine, working as an apprentice engineer. He later moved on to white-collar jobs in management services. In the 1970's, a girlfriend bought him a set of watercolour paints for his birthday. He taught himself to paint by copying pictures by the Old Masters, Impressionists and the greats of Scottish Art. Vettriano's first major success was in late 1980's, when the Royal Scottish Academy accepted two pictures for the Annual Exhibition in Edinburgh, which sold on the first day. He went on to hold highly successful solo exhibitions in Edinburgh, London, and across the globe. He was awarded an OBE. Prints, posters and greetings cards of his paintings outsell many others and he has become the most well-loved of modern Scottish artists. This large canvas, painted in 2001, is more than just a self-portrait. It is a confident declaration that Vettriano is a serious artist. The natural daylight and soft reflections on the studio floor, create an intimate depiction of the artist contemplating his next work. Rather than showing the artist in the act of creation, Vettriano focuses on the daunting expectations of the next image to be painted; in this case a small study-sized canvas which awaits him on the easel. Vettriano may be showing us that he considers the act of making art is as intellectual as it is technical, a product of the mind as well as the hand. This painting was due to be exhibited at the International Art & Design Fair, Portland Gallery, Park Avenue, New York, 19 September - 2 October 2001. The exhibition was to feature 20 original paintings. Due to the events of September 11th the fair was cancelled. An exhibition was held at the Portland Gallery in London that same year instead. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing