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If you ever needed proof that artist Jack Vettriano still retains a down to earth manner, it was waiting in the porch of Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.

Yours truly arrived 45 minutes late for the interview.

Flightier artists might have flounced off, or busied themselves with artistic matters.

Vettriano is simply standing on the doorstep, a gloomy figure in a coal-black coat, quietly watching the rain pouring down and the world passing by.

Inside, an exhibition of 40 new works is hung and ready to open to the public.

And while Kirkcaldy, London, Milan isn't the usual order of an international art tour, for Vettriano, who has studios in all three, it makes perfect sense.

Kirkcaldy was where, as a 30-year-old amateur artist, he soaked up the gallery's famous Colourist Collection, and learned some of their best techniques.

He points out a Peploe, and the way the artist has built up colours on an orange base to create glimpses of sunshine, just one of the tricks he took to his own painting.

They, like Vettriano, divided their time between the South of France and Scotland - creating warm and vibrant visions of the French Riviera and cooler, but equally stunning views of the Scottish islands.

Modern technology means it's a far easier option for Vettriano - who can order a missing paint colour or change locations the same day.

Of course, as well as being those who'll splutter their tea at the mere thought of Vettriano being mentioned in the same sentence as the Colourists, there are plenty who argue he doesn't even merit the title "artist".

The National Galleries of Scotland retain a resolutely Vettriano free zone, although could a breakthrough be on the cards?

Next year marks Vettriano's 20th year as a professional artist and he's keen to stage a retrospective on home turf.

When I ask him, on camera, if he thinks there could be scope for an exhibition at NGS, he insists he doesn't discuss it, then proceeds to do so.

"it's all been said before,"he says,"but I think we can find a way to be reconciled. We've all said things we ought not to have said.

"We've drummed up a head of steam we shouldn't have. Let's let it be. Maybe late next year or early the year after we might do a retrospective...."

His press agent is frantically shaking her head. Vettriano puts his own head in his hands. "I wasn't supposed to say that."

Talks are at a delicate stage, apparently, but it appears that Vettriano's next major exhibition could be in Edinburgh.

And does he care that his work causes such extreme reaction?

"Not in the least," he says with a laugh.

"Where better to be than right in the middle - with half the population loathing you and half loving you.

"Every dinner party, they're talking about you. That's a great place to be."

As to his next subject matter - he has his sights set in ballroom dancing.

He was recently given access to the backstage area at the World Ballroom Dancing championships - where he sketched and photographed for a new series of paintings.

"The thing is, I've been into ballroom dancing for years - way before Strictly Come Dancing.

"Remember I did the singing butler?

"I love the atmopshere. The way these couples are pinning numbers on and adjusting costumes.

"The way they train for years for two minutes in the spotlight and they go out and perform and come back and they're glaring at each other and you think Oh My God, somebody stood on somebody's toe there.

"It's an amazing place to be. And of course as a ballroom dancing teacher once said to me, it's the sexiest dance you can do, so I'll give anything a go..."

Days of Wine and Roses by Jack Vettriano is at Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery until May 2nd.