Revered by stars, royals and public... snubbed by critics

HE was Scotland’s most famous living artist, who never had a major exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery; adored by fans, yet branded kitsch by the critics; and accused of misogyny in his paintings, while overwhelmingly admired by women.

- Laura Paterson

SCOTTISH painter Jack Vettriano has died at the age of 73, it was announced yesterday.

The artist, best known for his painting The Singing Butler, was found dead in his flat in Nice, France, on Saturday, his publicist said.

It is understood there are no suspicious circumstances.

John Scotland's First Minister Swinney was among those to pay tribute to Jack.

He said: "I am very sorry to hear that one of Scotland's best-known artists Jack Vettriano has died, and I want to express my deepest condolences to his family.

"From humble beginnings as a selftaught artist from Methil, Jack made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland, rising to become a household name thanks to iconic paintings like The Singing Butler, which has graced the walls of homes and galleries around the world.