Renowned artist Jack Vettriano said he still feels “at home” in Fife.
During an exclusive interview with The Courier ahead of a fund-raising dinner at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, the former mining engineer spoke of his pride at being associated with the region.
Despite enjoying fame around the world, he said it was “deeply touching” to still be respected by his fellow Fifers.
Vettriano now spends much of his life in the south of France but insists the land of his birth remains a huge inspiration.
“I love coming back to Fife and still consider Kirkcaldy as my home,” he told The Courier.
“During my last stay, I took a series of photographs which I hope to include in a future project. To me, Fife is as inspirational as ever.”
A recent exhibition of Vettriano’s work at Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery was the most successful in its history attracting 46,000 visitors.
“It is deeply touching to me how supportive my homeland has been throughout my career,” he said. “I was amazed at the number of people who came to see the exhibition.”
Vettriano said the event’s success was all the more pleasing as he spent so much time studying works at the museum in his youth before plucking up the courage to submit work to the venue in the mid-1980s.
Looking back on the recent exhibition, he said, “It was wonderful to exhibit in my home art gallery. The gallery played a pivotal part in my career.”
Self-taughtSelf-taught Vettriano remains modest when he considers his rise to global prominence.
“It is truly flattering to be considered an inspiration,” he said. “However, to be honest with you I think that anyone who has overcome the odds could be considered an inspiration.
“I have been very lucky with my career and it all stemmed from the passion I had for painting.”
To Fifers with a desire to follow in his footsteps, he said, “I think that if you have passion, then it is natural to work as hard as you can to make it a success.
“My advice is simple-love what you do and don’t give up.”
First Minister Alex Salmond is among Vettriano’s ever-expanding army of fans.
“I was delighted and deeply honoured to recently be asked by the First Minister to create a painting for his official Christmas card,” the artist said.
“He had very kindly opened my last exhibition in Kirkcaldy and had kept in touch.”
Vettriano arranged to display some of his work at the Old Course Hotel after being moved by a recreation of one of his works on the West Sands.
In a promotional campaign ahead of Valentine’s Day, staff imitated his Elegy For A Dead Admiral on the beach.
“I was pleased that the Old Course Hotel chose to recreate my painting…as I have long been an admirer of the local beaches,” he said.
Among the works to feature in the exhibition was the original of Let’s Twist Again, which has never been shown in public.
“Showing Let’s Twist Again in public for the first time was very exciting especially under these special circumstances (it is to be auctioned for charity),” Vettriano said.
“Showing my work to the public is always nerve-wracking but pleasing. It is nice to be able to show what I have been up to.”
Jack Vettriano will sign books at the Old Course Hotel today from 11.30am to 1pm.