Jack Vettriano
Self-taught Scottish-born painter Jack Vettriano has caused much controversy in the world of modern painting. He quit school at the age of 16 and began working a mine. Soon thereafter a friend gave him a used box of paint to while away the time. His passion and talent only increased. Vettriano's paintings sell in the millions of pounds. He also holds the record for being one of, if not the top artist sold in the poster and reproduction market. Not bad for a self-confessed alcoholic who worked in a coal mine. Royalties of his work exceed 1/4 million pounds each year.
Vettriano's Style
Jack Vettriano has been described as an (ex)drunken lothario with a passion for the dramatic and sensual. His paintings depict a long gone era of high-society types, men in hats, women wearing gloves smoking cigarettes with ivory cigarette holders. He creates a sultry mood of romance and seduction without going over the top (usually). The figures are perfect human specimens dressed to the nines, ready for whatever comes. Dream worlds full of ballroom dancing, whispers and whiskey.
Controversies
Recently it has been discovered that Mr. Vettriano's work ht not be all that it seems. His supposed skill with the brush was found to be a direct copy from a book entitled "The Illustrator's Figure Reference Manual". I suppose everyone needs a little help or shortcut from time to time. Jack admittedly declares that he sometimes paints from photos, not live models. His proponents will back him up by stating that what makes a Vettriano a "Vettriano" is not in his specific technique or method, but in the atmosphere that he creates and the moods that are evoked. The effect of this discovery was that Sotheby's was only able to sell 8 paintings of the 20 that where put up for sale. This, however, has not quelled the desire for his work.
Many artists, in fact, do not even touch their own works, and are actually created by a team of artisans under their control. Glass sculptor Dale Chihuly (http://www.chihuly.com/) is one example. His works are so large and extraordinary that one man could not possibly work alone.
In another controversy, in December 1999, a tabloid in Scotland alleged that previously Vettriano had stalked a woman in Edinburgh. This allegation, of course, was denied by Vettriano. Having never been prosecuted seems to prove his innocence.
Summary
Throughout history artists have had their dark sides. Van Gogh was so addicted to absinthe, that he is said to have eaten his paint to get a fix. Certain paints at the time contained thujone, which is one of the active ingredients in absinthe. But this doesn't devalue his work one iota. In fact, it might even enhance the value because of the "starving artist" aspect. Is Shakespeare's work any less exquisite because he didn't invent the English language? Does Amy Winehouse sounds any less exciting because of her drug problems? Is Scooby Doo not funny because he's a dog?
Jack Vettriano, seen as a "bad boy" for reasons justified or not continues to sell his work, originals and reproductions. Only time can tell if future generations will know Jack Vettriano as an artistic genius or as a spurious imitation.
