TO mark Alasdair Gray's 80th birthday on December 28, the first eight people through the doors of the retrospective of his work at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are in for a treat.

They will get the chance to buy a limited edition print of Self Portrait 16 for £80, rather than the usual price of £595.

Alasdair Gray: From the Personal to the Universal is a major exhibition of the polymath's artwork spanning his entire career, from his student days at Glasgow School of Art to the present. This is the first time the more than 100 paintings, including many of his most well-known pieces of work, have been shown together.

"In some ways I regret living for 80 years as I would have preferred to die before my wife did in May this year, but I am glad that the Kelvingrove show has pleased so many people especially those in my own family," he said.

" I used to think that one day Glasgow's public gallery would think well of my work, but did not think I would survive to see it."

The exhibition is a central element of the Alasdair Gray Season 2014 - 2015, devised by his agent Sorcha Dallas, staged in his home city in celebration of his 80th birthday. The Season, focusing on the artist's visual work, includes further exhibitions entitled Spheres of Influence I and II at GoMA and Glasgow School of Art.

At Kelvingrove, key works are grouped chronologically, starting with the early years and art school, then the landscapes and sketches.

The works have come from Gray's personal collection as well as private and public collections, including Glasgow Museums' Night Street Self Portrait, an early cityscape showcasing Gray's distinct style; and Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, possibly his best known work.

It is based on sketches and ideas for a Monkland Canal picture Gray had given up trying to paint as a third year art student.

It shows a sliding viewpoint, with Port Dundas to the north and St Aloysius Church to the south.

Many of the works had never been seen before 2007, when the artist published his biography, A Life in Pictures.

"We wish Alasdair a very happy 80th birthday," said Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life.

"We are really pleased to have this amazing retrospective at Kelvingrove and look forward to welcoming many of his fans over the Christmas period.

"A lucky few will even have the chance to take home a special limited edition print as part of the celebrations."

Alasdair Gray: From the Personal to the Universal runs until February 22.