Jack vettriano | Ask the Monsters

You might already know this, but Jack Nicholson is a collector and owns many paintings by Jack Vettriano — and that little fact alone was enough to make me curious. So when I saw there was a Vettriano exhibition in Milan that was closing at the end of January, I decided to go. I barely made it — it really was a last-chance trip — but it was completely worth it. My husband, usually not interested in art at all, came along because I dragged him… and to my surprise he had to admit it was very pleasant and entertaining.

From the moment we stepped in, we were surrounded by scenes full of calm sensuality and cheeky light humour, a love for women, the lightness of the scenes, the fun and grace of wind-blown moments, the many umbrellas, the glamour of long dresses, and lovers kissing in what looked like an old Milan tram. It all made us smile and feel that the world — even in its chaos — is still a very nice place. Walking through those rooms side by side with my husband, sharing small laughs and quiet appreciation, was one of those travel memories you don’t forget.

Jack Vettriano was born Jack Hoggan in Fife, Scotland in 1951 and came from a working-class background. He took up painting as a hobby in his twenties after a girlfriend gave him a set of watercolours, and taught himself to paint by studying old masters and other influences. His breakthrough came in the late 1980s when two of his paintings were accepted at the Royal Scottish Academy annual exhibition and sold on the first day. Vettriano went on to build a career with exhibitions around the world and attracted collectors including Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Tim Rice. His work is known for its cinematic, evocative scenes filled with romance, intrigue and evocative atmosphere. He passed away in 2025, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences.

The exhibition in Milan at the Museo della Permanente brought together over 80 works by Vettriano, including oil paintings, unique museum-paper editions, photographs from his studio and a video exploring his artistic evolution. It offered a vivid look at his distinctive style — a blend of nostalgic storytelling, elegant figures and mood-rich scenes — and made it easy to see why so many people are drawn to his art, even those who never thought they’d enjoy a gallery visit.

In the end, it wasn’t just art on the wall — it was an experience that reminded us why we travel, why we share moments we’re unsure about, and why we sometimes find ourselves smiling at things we didn’t expect. If even my reluctant husband had a really good time, that’s testament enough that Vettriano’s work can surprise you, charm you, and leave you feeling lighter than when you walked in.