George W Bush

The Artist?

Who knew I had anything at all in common with the 43^rd president of the United States, George W Bush? Turns out the man is an artist! An avid painter, as a matter of fact.

Instagram photo posted by George W Bush

Apparently the former POTUS posted this Instagram pic of himself a few days ago, on Veterans Day. He is in his studio putting some final touches on a large canvas with several finished portraits scattered about the space as his audience. “Over the past several months, I’ve painted the portraits of 98 wounded warriors I’ve gotten to know — remarkable men and women who were injured carrying out my orders. I think about them on #VeteransDay and every day. Their paintings and stories will be featured in PORTRAITS of COURAGE — a book and special exhibit — next spring, and I am donating all my proceeds to @thebushcenter and our Military Service Initiative’s work to honor and support them.”

We All Have Our Favorite Pastimes

I’m not sure why I was so surprised. Everybody has their favorite pastime. Even former POTUSes. Reagan loved his horses. Clinton plays the sax and loves crossword puzzles. John Quincy Adams had an affinity for skinny dipping in the Potomac. Dwight Eisenhower was an avid golfer and Lyndon B Johnson loved to drunkenly drive his cars at breakneck speed around his property. Thomas Jefferson had several, including archaeology, writing, wine making, cooking, and industrial design. So why shouldn’t George W have one too?

Due out February 28, 2017, you can pre-order yours on Amazon.

Since leaving the White House, he’s done portraits of his father, Vladimir Putin, and former Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi among others. And now, 98 warriors wounded while serving under his command. This collection of portraits of wounded warriors will be shown in an exhibit and published in the book, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors due out February 28, 2017. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.