Jack Vettriano, 57, was born in Fife and left school at 16 to become a mining engineer. He only took up painting as a hobby in the 1970s, when his girlfriend gave him his first set of watercolour paints for his 21st birthday. From then on, he was inspired by lengthy visits to the Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.

In 1989, he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual open exhibition. Both were accepted and sold on the first day.

Over the next 20 years, he had sell-out exhibitions in Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong and New York. In 2004, Vettriano was awarded an OBE for Services to the Visual Arts.

In February, he launched his own company, Heartbreak Publishing, to publish and promote his works and those by other artists. He now divides his time between his homes in Fife, London and Nice.

Did you think you would get to where you are?

Never, but I always felt that if I kept trying and putting myself into situations where something might happen, then something would. None of us could have anticipated that a small group of paintings – including “The Singing Butler” – that featured in one of my first exhibitions would become among the most reproduced works of all time. To have exposure to a global audience has made an astonishing difference. People may not know my name, but they are likely to have come across my imagery.

When you realised that you had made your first million, were you tempted to slow down?

No. It has never been about money, but I do recall my mother asking me one day, probably around 1995: “Are you a millionaire?” And I said: “Yeah Mum, I am”, and she was just so pleased. I would have been in my mid 40s then.

I had worked at a prodigious rate for the best part of 10 years, but this was more about an insatiable need to get the ideas I had for paintings down on to canvas. The financial rewards were secondary and remain so.

What is the secret of your success?

I worked hard, and I must have got the timing right. There’s something about my work that seems to make people engage with it, which is great as I really only ever paint what interests me.

I was lucky, too, that my pictures lend themselves to reproduction. The birthday cards and posters have given me exposure to a vast audience who might never of heard of me otherwise.

Do you want to carry on till you drop?

Yes. What else could I do?
I still feel passionate about painting. For me, there’s something incredibly romantic about dying in front of an easel. That’s the way I’d like to go.

Have you had time for personal financial planning?

I have a good team of advisers whom I trust to point me in the right direction. I have tended to stick to bricks and mortar and so far, this has served me well.

What was your most prudent investment?

It is early days but I have a stake in a film production company based in Shanghai, for which I have high hopes.

Have you made any pension provision?

I am naturally wary of pensions, and have tended to invest in property and paintings. If the appeal of my imagery continues, I should do OK from the royalties.

Have you taken steps to pass on your wealth?

In 2005, I set up a charitable trust that donates to a variety of causes. After my death, the Vettriano Trust will look after all issues relating to the copyright for my work, which should generate income for charities long after I’ve gone.

What is your basic business philosophy?

As an artist I just paint what pleases me. I’m incredibly fortunate that it also pleases the public. I’m not sure that artists and business philosophy go well together. I have, however, just launched my own company, because I decided it was time to take control of how my work is presented to a wider audience.

Do you allow yourself the odd indulgence?

Yes, I think it’s important to treat yourself every now and again. I live quite frugally because I’m not motivated by possessions, but once in a while I indulge in good clothes, cars and art.
I have picked up a few fantastic paintings for my home from auctions.

Picasso or Art Deco as an investment?

Picasso as a positive investment but Art Deco for pleasure and a possible return.

What is the most you have ever paid for a bottle of fine wine or champagne?

For a bottle of champagne, £85. To be honest, I can’t remember the occasion, just the shock of the bill at the end of the evening.

What is your money-saving tip in the recession?

It is best to buy only what you need and to treat yourself only every now and again. Otherwise, where’s the pleasure in life?

Do you have a commitment to philanthropy?

Absolutely. Besides my commitment to the Vettriano Trust, I think I have done my bit selectively donating paintings to charities. The portrait I painted of Zara Phillips in 2008 was part of a charity fund-
raising project for Sport Relief. Like Zara, I was delighted with the end result, which was a huge relief. The painting and the limited edition prints that we published of the portrait raised more than £100,000 for Sport Relief.