The Picnic Party is a captivating limited edition print by acclaimed Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, an artist celebrated for his cinematic compositions and evocative storytelling. While Vettriano is best known for scenes charged with intimacy and mystery, The Picnic Party offers a refreshing departure - a moment of gentle narrative and open-air charm, set against the windswept beauty of a British shoreline. Though the sensual tension often found in his work is absent here, the artist's command of atmosphere and storytelling remains as strong as ever, inviting viewers into a scene full of motion, elegance, and quiet drama.
The composition depicts two women walking near the shore, their clothes rippling in the breeze. One carries a picnic basket while the other holds a sun umbrella, her posture angled against the wind. A gentleman follows closely behind, sheltering the woman without an umbrella beneath his own - a subtle gesture of courtesy and care. Through their body language and the tilt of the umbrellas, Vettriano conveys the blustery conditions with cinematic flair, transforming a simple coastal stroll into a story rich with movement and emotion.
While the subject matter diverges from his more intimate interiors, Vettriano's hallmark mood remains unmistakable. The sands, yellows, and soft blues that dominate the palette evoke the warmth of a seaside afternoon, yet the ominous clouds gathering above add a touch of tension - a reminder of nature's unpredictability. This balance between serenity and unease gives the work its narrative depth. The looser, more impressionistic brushwork adds to the sense of spontaneity, allowing the viewer to feel the motion of the wind and the fleeting nature of the moment.
Produced as an Artist's Proof limited edition giclée, The Picnic Party demonstrates Vettriano's masterful control of tone and atmosphere. Each print, part of an exclusive edition of 40, is hand-signed and numbered by the artist, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The piece is beautifully presented in a black moulding with a gold inner slip, an elegant frame choice that enhances the luminous beach tones while grounding the image with refined contrast.
Measuring 49 cm x 63.5 cm (image size) and 83 cm x 70 cm when framed, The Picnic Party has a balanced presence that makes it equally suited to contemporary or traditional interiors. Its softness of colour and sense of narrative movement bring a sense of calm sophistication to any collection, while its more impressionistic style marks a distinctive moment within Vettriano's body of work.
For collectors, this rare Artist's Proof edition offers an opportunity to own a unique and reflective piece from one of Britain's most recognisable contemporary painters. For new admirers, it provides a graceful introduction to Vettriano's world - one that celebrates human connection, subtle storytelling, and the timeless beauty of the everyday.
Edition Size: Artist's Proof - 33/40, Hand signed and numbered by the artist
Image Size: 49 cm x 63.5 cm
Framed Size: 83 cm x 70 cm
Medium: Limited Edition Giclée Print on Paper
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Frame: Black moulding with gold inner slip
The Picnic Party captures a fleeting moment of warmth and wind, rendered with a painterly elegance that showcases Jack Vettriano's versatility as a storyteller and artist. With its luminous palette and sense of gentle motion, it is a scene that lingers in the imagination - calm, human, and quietly cinematic.
Looking for more by Jack Vettriano? We are delighted to present a curated selection of his limited edition prints and original artworks. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in finding the perfect addition to your collection.
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