Critics hail George W Bush's art

14 March 2017 - 08:51 By HARRIET ALEXANDER
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
COMPASSIONATE EYE: The compilation of studies of of US military veterans is topping the best-seller lists in the US
COMPASSIONATE EYE: The compilation of studies of of US military veterans is topping the best-seller lists in the US
Image: Laura Buckman/AFP

George W Bush's book of paintings has been praised by leading art critics, with some describing the former president's work as surprisingly sophisticated and warm.

The book, published on February 28, is top of The Washington Post's list of bestsellers.

The newspaper's chief art critic, Philip Kennicott, said the 66 portraits of former soldiers, sold in aid of veterans, show the former president honing his craft.

"No matter what you think of George W Bush, he demonstrates in this book and in these paintings virtues that are sadly lacking at the top of the American political pyramid today: curiosity, compassion, the commitment to learn something new and the humility to learn it in public."

In the book, entitled Portraits of Courage: A commander in chief's tribute to America's warriors, Bush writes about each of the soldiers he depicted.

The 70-year-old says he was inspired by the work of Lucian Freud, Wayne Thiebaud, Jamie Wyeth, Ray Turner, Fairfield Porter and Joaquín Sorolla.

He writes a witty account of how he first took up painting, on leaving the White House.

"For the first time in my 66 years, I picked up a paintbrush that wasn't meant for drywall." - ©The Daily Telegraph

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now