Scottish painter John Bellany has died at 71.
The artist passed away in his studio on Wednesday night “clutching a paint brush”, according to a statement on his website.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a true Scottish giant,” it read.
“At 17 minutes past seven on the evening of Wednesday August 28 John passed away, in his studio, surrounded by his family.
“He was clutching a paint brush in his hand as he took his final breath. His passion was life and he painted as if each day was his last.”
Bellany was born into a family of fishermen and boat builders at Port Seton, East Lothian, in 1942 and much of his work is said to draw inspiration from his coastal roots.
He studied painting at Edinburgh College of Art in the 1960s before moving to London to study at the Royal College of Art.
Bellany successfully underwent a liver transplant in the 1980s and was made a CBE in 1994.
His paintings feature in the collections of galleries including the National Galleries of Scotland, Tate Britain in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute to the painter as “one of Scotland’s finest artists” and an “outstanding” person.
“He led an extraordinary life which was both marked by personal illness and tragedy, while also filled with joy and passion,” Mr Salmond said.
“He always had an abiding spirit which made him such excellent company.
“He was also committed to great causes and he donated a wonderful painting, a feast of colour depicting Macduff Harbour, as the subject of the First Minister’s homecoming Christmas card in 2008.
“Following its auction, the proceeds were donated to four charities, including the RNLI as respect and support for seafaring communities, one of John’s passions and an inspiration for his talent.
“His work was acclaimed both in Scotland and around the world and my condolences go to his friends and family.”
John Bellany: an artist with Fire in the Blood