In the oil paintings that made Jack Vettriano famous and rich, the women are slim and wear evening dress, the men are chiselled and in tuxes, don homburg hats and long coats, and kiss the necks of their dates. In the world of Vettriano, who has died aged 73, couples dress up for the beach, drive classic cars, smoke late night cigarettes and drink whisky for carnal courage.
The artist defended his nostalgic vision against his many critics: “My paintings are about sex and that is not acceptable to them,” he said. “It would be OK if I painted inner-city problems and urban decay. They also don’t like me because I’m self-taught. I came in the back door and they haven’t had a chance to mould me.”
