the collector's folio

John Bellany Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Bellany our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Bellany · 1942 – 2013

'Nova Spero'

original 48 x 59 cm

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23159 × 48 cm Commission at original size

Top Hat Masquerade

1991 · original 79 x 57 cm

Explore John Bellany’s ‘Top Hat Masquerade,’ a surreal oil painting blending mythology & psychology. Witness expressive brushstrokes & a melancholic scene – a unique, evocative artwork.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #2: Top Hat Masquerade

Art Movement: Surrealism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28157 × 79 cm Commission at original size

John Bellany: Two Girls by Harbour

2006 · Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh · original 68 x 60 cm

John Bellany’s "Two Girls by Harbour" (2006) – a vibrant oil painting of coastal figures in an expressionistic style. Explore its rich colors, impasto texture & melancholic beauty.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #3: Two Girls by Harbour

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20230 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29360 × 68 cm Commission at original size

The Ettrick Shepherd – John Bellany

The Fleming Collection, London · original 155 x 151 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #4: The Ettrick Shepherd

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$830151 × 155 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Julie

original 76 x 57 cm

Explore John Bellany’s 'Portrait of Julie,' a dreamy watercolor capturing serenity & melancholy. Discover this evocative Scottish artist's unique style & delicate technique.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #5: Portrait of Julie

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27657 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Living Flowers – John Bellany

original 123 x 93 cm

Explore John Bellany’s ‘Living Flowers,’ a vibrant oil painting blending Expressionism & Fauvism. Thick impasto, floral motifs, and a melancholic tone evoke coastal life & dark narratives.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #6: Living Flowers

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$48393 × 123 cm Commission at original size

Sad Monkey Loses His Heart

original 151 x 171 cm

Explore 'Sad Monkey Loses His Heart' by John Bellany – a surreal Expressionist oil painting filled with emotion & symbolism. Discover this evocative Scottish artwork.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #7: Sad Monkey Loses His Heart

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20232 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$924171 × 151 cm Commission at original size

The Fisherman by John Bellany, 1966

1966

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #8: The Fisherman

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The Screeching Gannett – John Bellany

1987 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 172.7 x 172.7cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #9: The Screeching Gannett

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1015173 × 173 cm Commission at original size

Sarah with Aga by John Bellany, 1990

1990 · Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge · original 123 x 153 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #10: Sarah with Aga

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$697153 × 123 cm Commission at original size

Camden Lock (1990)

1990 · original 172 x 152 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #11: Camden Lock

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$909152 × 172 cm Commission at original size

Scottish Gothic

1990 · original 214 x 203 cm

Experience 'Scottish Gothic' by John Bellany – a captivating oil painting of three figures near the sea. Explore this serene yet evocative work by a Scottish master.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #12: Scottish Gothic

Art Movement: Other
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17731 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1406203 × 214 cm Commission at original size

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (b.1934), Composer by John Bellany

1991 · original 173 x 152 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #13: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (b.1934), Composer

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$913152 × 173 cm Commission at original size

Sweet Promise (triptych, right wing), 1994, John Bellany

1994 · original 203 x 92 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #14: Sweet Promise (triptych, right wing)

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17721 × 47 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$69392 × 203 cm Commission at original size

Fishing Boat 'Poseidon' in Harbour by John Bellany, 1994

1994 · original 92 x 122 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #15: Fishing Boat 'Poseidon' in Harbour

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$477122 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Sweet Promise (triptych, centre panel), 1994, John Bellany

1994 · original 203 x 178 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #16: Sweet Promise (triptych, centre panel)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1196178 × 203 cm Commission at original size

The Old Sailor Dreams of His Past (1994) by John Bellany

1994 · Jerwood Gallery, Hastings · original 75 x 55 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #17: The Old Sailor Dreams of His Past

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26955 × 75 cm Commission at original size

Girl with Yellow Background – John Bellany

1998 · Royal College of Art, London · original 77 x 60 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #18: Girl with Yellow Background

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28460 × 77 cm Commission at original size

Anchored – John Bellany

1999 · original 90 x 121 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #19: Anchored

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$467121 × 90 cm Commission at original size

Summer Flowers – John Bellany

1999 · The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art, London · original 122 x 91 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #20: Summer Flowers

Color Palette: Nature

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47391 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Ships in Harbour – John Bellany

2000 · The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art, London · original 91 x 91 cm

A lively waterfront scene capturing the bustling energy of docked boats and coastal life in John Bellany's Ships in Harbour, a captivating piece perfect for bringing maritime charm to your collection.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #21: Ships in Harbour

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$39191 × 91 cm Commission at original size

Homage to David B (2002) by John Bellany

2002 · original 102 x 76 cm

John Bellany’s ‘Homage to David B’ (2002) explodes with vibrant color & impasto depicting a fisherman's abundance. An expressive, surreal oil painting capturing coastal life & dark narratives.

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #22: Homage to David B

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37676 × 102 cm Commission at original size

Scottish Mother and Child (2005)

2005 · original 119 x 90 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #23: Scottish Mother and Child

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$46290 × 119 cm Commission at original size

Old Woman, 1991, John Bellany

1991 · original 76 x 56 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #24: Old Woman

Color Palette: Warm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27356 × 76 cm Commission at original size

God is Love – John Bellany

View the most popular artwork of John Bellany ranked #25: God is Love

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 50 artworks by John Bellany
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

John Bellany

1942 – 2013

Quick facts

Died2013
Movementsexpressionism, contemporary realism
Works on APS50
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Typical colorsearthy, dark
Art periodModern
Lifespan71 years

Biography

The Soul of the Firth: The Life and Vision of John Bellany

Born in 1942 amidst the salt-sprayed fishing traditions of Port Seton, near Edinburgh, John Bellany CBE, RA emerged as one of Scotland’s most profound and evocative visual storytellers. His identity was inextricably linked to the rhythms of the Firth of Forth; as the grandson and son of fishermen, the sea was not merely a landscape to him, but a living, breathing character that permeated his entire creative consciousness. This deep-rooted connection to the maritime world provided the foundational vocabulary for an oeuvre that would later masterfully blend the visceral realities of coastal life with a haunting, surrealist symbolism.

Bellany’s artistic journey was shaped by rigorous academic exploration and a transformative encounter with European modernism. During his formative years at the Edinburgh College of Art, he forged lasting bonds with contemporaries such as Alan Bold and Alexander Moffat, contributing to a movement dedicated to revitalizing Scottish art through a blend of local heritage and international influence. A pivotal moment in his development occurred during his travels to Europe, where the monumental war triptychs of Otto Dix in Dresden left an indelible mark on his psyche. This exposure to German Expressionism encouraged Bellany to confront the darker, more difficult truths of the human condition, teaching him how to utilize distorted forms and heavy textures to articulate themes of guilt, mortality, and original sin.

Symbolism, Sea, and the Human Condition

The brilliance of Bellany’s work lies in his ability to weave personal mythology into the fabric of his paintings. His compositions are often vast and complex, acting as dreamscapes where the boundaries between the natural world and the psychological realm dissolve. In his earlier works from the 1960s and 1970s, one finds a preoccupation with the darker aspects of existence—sex, death, and the inherent flaws of humanity. He utilized a rich, symbolic language derived from both his maritime upbringing and religious iconography, often populating his canvases with motifs such as:

Coastal Elements: Shellfish, nets, and the turbulent North Sea which serve as metaphors for life's unpredictability.
Religious Imagery: Themes of sin and redemption that ground his more surrealist impulses in a sense of ancient struggle.
Personal Totems: Autobiographical symbols that reflect his own physical and spiritual journey.

As his life progressed, particularly following a significant health battle and a liver transplant in 1988, a palpable shift occurred within his palette and temperament. The heavy, brooding shadows of his youth began to give way to a more luminous, optimistic energy. While the visceral textures of impasto and the expressive realism of his technique remained, the narrative arc of his work moved toward a celebration of life and resilience, proving that even within the most turbulent seas, light can find its way through.

Legacy and Artistic Significance

John Bellany’s contribution to British art history is marked by his ability to elevate regional Scottish identity to a universal stage. His election to the Royal Academy in 1973 served as a formal recognition of his mastery and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern Scottish painting. Through his teaching career and his prolific output, he mentored generations and expanded the boundaries of what contemporary figurative art could achieve.

Today, his legacy is preserved in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. He remains a titan of 20th-century art, remembered not just for his technical prowess or his mastery of watercolor and oil, but for his courage to look into the depths of the human soul and find the profound beauty hidden within the struggle. His work continues to resonate as a powerful testament to the enduring connection between the land, the sea, and the indomitable spirit of man.

Questions & Answers

Which artworks by John Bellany are the most viewed?

Statistics about John Bellany's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

Can I visit a virtual museum of John Bellany's works?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of John Bellany presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

Is there a complete list of John Bellany's artworks?

Every work by John Bellany on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 18, 2026

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two We paint and send a preview

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three Delivered, certified

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All artworks by John Bellany