Friday 02nd January 2015
To kick off the year on a bit of a light-hearted note, let's take a look at the retired life of one of America's most polarizing presidents, George W. Bush. We can hear you now, asking, "Wait a second, isn't this an art blog?" Bear with us here for a second, and all will become clear.
GWB was leading a quiet, retired life on a ranch somewhere in Texas, when he was the victim of a hacking attack that shared what turned out to be one of the most surprising releases of private information. Thankfully for everyone involved, it wasn't nude selfies, but rather the former President's struggling first attempts at painting. Painting, of all things. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he showed about as much flair for the craft of painting as he did for foreign policy, and yet being a former president, his work was much gawked over and speculated about.
However, recently, he gave some advice to aspiring artists that is actually worth listening to, however surprising that may be. During an interview with CNN's State of the Union program, he talked briefly about his budding art career, and casually dropped this little nugget of wisdom: "Never paint your wife or your mother." Apparently, he had painted a photo of his wife, Laura, and she was less than pleased with the result. For those among you who are experimenting with new styles, media, or just learning to draw at all, it's best to save the ones you love as subjects for later.
As for the rest of his career, Bush had his first solo show in early 2014, although it was hosted at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas, so nobody is really too sure if they wanted it or if they were contractually obligated to show it. No statistics about the show's success or popularity were made available, though, if that gives any indication as it to it's value.
"I was trying to be like a Polaroid camera. I'm learning ... how to work colors, to get a different feel. I don't know what I'd be doing -- I don't drink anymore. I guess if I were a drinker, I'd be up there drinking away. Now I'm painting away."
Posted on January 02nd 2015 on 04:30pm