Customer Reviews

Jack Vettriano

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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This covers a broad range of his work, I'm very pleased with the size and content. There is barely any text in this book, other than titles of his work and short intros to chapters, the images speak for themselves.

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.

You may well have seen Vettriano's "The Singing Butler," or other of his elegant paintings - but that doesn't mean you've heard of him. This book takes care of that. It covers eighteen years of his career, 1987 to 2004. It shows what you missed, and probably a few images you saw but never connected to the others.

Vettriano's images go beyond Hopper's. They have much of the same graphic quality but, where Hopper so often addressed solitude or loneliness, Vettriano frequently depicts depicts desperation under a cracking veneer of elegance. Many of these paintings capture some moment in a story of intimacy for sale, or of intimacy between the wrong people - the moment that culminates the story so far, and that sets the direction of the story to come. In those pictures, the underlying cheapness of motiviation contrasts sharply with the graciously dressed (or graciously undressed) actors moving their roles forward. The anachronism of ballroom grace and mid-twentieth-century fashion gives the modern viewer enough distance to see the glossy finish as well as tawdry underside. Without asking forgiveness, Vettriano explains how beauty and a moment of passion can lead people down paths that they'll later regret.

Not all of the imagery carries that dark edge, though. Vettriano does equally well with sunny couples in happy, if adult kinds of love. In many cases, only the painting's title tells the viewer whether or not to approve - and somehow, that makes disapproval that much harder. Vettriano's work has been called "populist" and "undemanding." So be it. Holding wide appeal isn't such a bad thing, and neither is work that easily yields its meaning.

-- wiredweird

I viewed this book personally in the UK where I live and since my daughter is a big fan of Vettriano, I purchased this book as a present for her. It shows the various aspects of Jack Vettriano's work, both the well known (printed on cards) and the not well known. It is very insightful of the different sides of a wonderful artist, and his work is well represented.

I own one of Jack's prints "The Singing Butler", and this book gives great insight into the thought process involved in producing such fine work, as well as many other color prints are to be found within. Jack has produced some of the finest paintings I've ever seen. I paint also, but only seascapes,landscapes,etc., so to view such a variety of excellent work in the Vettriano style is a rare treat for all who purchase this fine coffee table book.
Bravo Jack.........Excellent work !
P.F.Matriscino Geneva,NY.

Jack Vettriano is a unique observer of the Human Condition. Vettriano's work gives you a picture that tells YOU it's story, it's subtleties lie in your imagination, and when you describe the picture to someone you can't help but become the Storyteller. His use of light, shade and shadow may draw you into a corner of a Pub or Cafe, or onto a sun filled Beach where in either place you may find sadness or joy. Women are frequently the Conquerors and Men their willing subjects. And sometimes they are just mutual partners in enjoying themselves. You can feel their ebb and flow like the tides of the Ocean. Enjoy Vettriano's work like a fine Cigar, a Good Wine or a Fine Repast: you've worked hard and deserve it!

I love the art of Jack Vettriano. This book gives a brief overview of how his style came into being, and shows much of his glorious works. I also like that in the back is a listing of his art showing dates and what pieces were in each show. So glad I purchased this book.

This is a wonderful synopsis of the paintings and his thoughts as he worked on them. A very interesting peek into the author/painter's mind. It makes the pictures come alive.

I love Jack Vettriano's art and this brings all of the best together! Great coffee table book and so much fun to look through and dream. Perfect for a romantic! Book arrived in good condition too! I'll have this for many years to come!

care should be taken as to the age of the purchaser of this book. some images are close to being pornographic. take care that it does not get into the hands of the young.