Jack Vettriano

The introduction and subsequent text is very brief, and provides a glimpse into the artist’s background and rise to success. The text makes little if any critical comment about the artist’s work, perhaps leaving the paintings to speak for themselves. The book concludes with a list of the artist’s paintings and exhibitions. The book really is all about the pictures.

There are about 160 full colour reproductions of Vettriano’s paintings of which about half dozen are small images illustrating the text, there are over thirty full page bleed pictures many of which in fact amount to a page and a half and include one double page spread (the best in the book?). However the bulk of the illustrations range from almost full page images to those which occupy about half a page or occasionally less. The quality of the reproduction is excellent, and the varied and attractive layout suits the images well, bold yet without detracting from the work.

For those of us who are perhaps used to seeing Vettriano’s paintings merely as small reproductions adorning cards and the like, it is a revelation to see them produced so well and to a good size. Seeing them so it is easy to label his technique as commercial and slick; but there is no denying the immediate appeal and impact. Whether or not you are a fan of this Scottish artist this is a book worth having, it shows the range of his work, from the dark and sensual to some very appealing high key paintings. Altogether it is a most sumptuous volume.… (more)

Vettriano is a controversial artist who attracts scorn from the artists' 'establishment', perhaps because his work is highly approachable by people who appreciate beauty and artistic quality without possessing an educated background in 'art'. His work has an immediate impact on the untutored eye, and it evokes a powerful, yet mysterious eroticism. This book is a small, but rich introduction to Vettriano's work, delightfully set into the context of Scottish poetry and prose extracts which complement the visual images, reinforcing their mystery. The words used are well chosen in this respect, encouraging the viewer to develop an independent view of the artist's intentions. The essentially Scottish quality of Vettriano's painting is significantly enhanced by Gordon Smith's talent in this. The book is an excellent introduction to the art, and will be appreciated by non-specialists as a joy to read, again and again.… (more)