The Art of Painting: A Conversation with President Bush's Art Instructors 

President Bush started painting in his 70s and this video shows his work and its encouraging that your never too old to start painting

Wonderful program. Also, The President is a fine painter and artist. Bravo !

I’m an Art Therapist and artist and was not a fan during his presidency-I’m one of those artists that aren’t in his base-but I’ve come to really like and respect President Bush through his dedication to art making. I just got his book with portraits of immigrants today that I pre-ordered months ago and love it. It takes an incredible amount of work to create a coherent body of work with such a large number of paintings. And I agree that it shows tremendous grit and courage to stick with it and it’s very impressive that he found his own artistic voice so early. Many artists learn technical skills but never reach that stage of having something worthwhile to say through their art-a unique artistic vision.

This is the epitome of wholesome af. Especially the part where he unexpectedly discovered his love of painting and paintings.

Congrats to Prez Bush!! 🎉👏🏼Gave me reconfirmation to take up painting!! 🙏🏼Lovely to see Mrs Bush, looking good! 👍🏼

Also, I enjoy President Bush’s sense of humor and the sense that he is actually a very down to the earth good-hearted, kind and caring man and truly loves life and wants the best for others, especially those who have suffered greatly. He truly represents good-hearted Americans and shows respect for all people. And talent and perseverance as well as grit and bravery to paint and put his art up for scrutiny by everyone. I can only wish to be that brave!

As an artist and an EXA (Expressive Art) facilitator I am glad to see the ex president going on this journey of self discovery and healing which the arts amplify to make the person, the individual a whole person. We repair stitch by stitch thread by thread the robe of Jacob the robe of many colours. It begs the question what would his term of office been like if he had travelled his road and discovered painting and art before his political career before he gained office.

As a beginning artist myself (at age 68) I have struggled; because I have no natural talent. But now I’m gonna pull out my grit and paint my heart out. President Bush is a good man with a fabulous sense of humor. He has a lot more to give to this world in the years to come

I am a Canadian and I am so deeply inprest with this man! Thank you pres. Bush

I really enjoyed this. I am in a senior art class and it let's me know, your never to old to learn to be a painter

It takes a lack of ego for someone who has had great power, to become an absolute beginner at something new, and to accept instruction humbly. Kudos.

I've always liked Laura Bush...lots of respect for her. She also has a great sense of humor.

Only two people I have ever wanted to meet in my life. Kobe Bryant..met him in passing and George Bush Jr..still waiting

Engage Art exposition of former President George Bush painting s Art work s so awesome , I can see he s dedicated to Art a nature gifted artist. I know portrait faces is difficult to do he captured the person s uniqueness which is his inner eye of seeing that person. GREAT! I so glad that You Tube showed this to me . Regardless of my political choice . Art is at times political but I see it as a therapuetic value and enjoyment most of all. And sharing it with others too. As President Bush did in this expo of Veterans also Iam a daughter of a Navy Veteran my father. So it made me feel good about his Veterans painting his Passion for people he knows and unknown as well . I definitely loved both dogs portraits! Both great in my opinion! Thank you so much to his instructor s and this art center and especially to President Bush for his story in Art! Keep on with your gift😁🌅🌵Susan from USA Arizona Southwest. Peace and Joy to you and family

Thank you for sharing, the paintings are very colourful and beautiful. 🌹🦜⭐️🍂🇳🇿🌈🍂

Painting is therapeutic.

I think it's wonderful how George made others feel special with his paintings and the paintings are really good quality too

I'm proud to say that Sedrick Huckaby was my art teacher as well! He taught life drawing also at Tcc south campus! I had him back in 2002 before he taught at University of Arlington. Who would of known that years later he would be giving George W private painting lessons! What a small world!

I like Bush better as a citizen. He is a laid back kind of guy. He doesn't take himself too serious. The media depicted him so bad during his presidency.

So can anyone not like the president? I didn’t vote for him but I like this man and his family.

Just a wonderful video....I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much for introducing President Bush and his wonderful art 🎨💕

I am so proud of our President and his fantastic paintings across the board Get Ready Folks One Day I Promise You They Will Be Worth Millions..I Love Them All..

Honestly, those paintings look really awesome!

I like to enjoy arts, which includes the paintings. However, I never liked to paint anything myself, because it's much too hard and never imagine that I can even paint it even ok. It's amazing that President 43 will be able to become the artist after retired from his Presidency and really turn into a impressive one. I guess may as a President, it was sooo hard to deal many things and had to face massive pressures. Then certainly compares with much hard President's duties, then becomes an real impressive artist will be easier to him just as a piece of cake, I guess. I agree that President Bush 43 does have some chemistry or gifted artistic cell in him, since I see the two dogs he painted earlier time. If I pay attention to their eyes, I feel the dogs' eyes can talk and it's really interesting! I guess this may be either the gift or the artistic spiritual feelings, or just purely the gift. I believe that he may should paint all living Presidents together as the symptom of the unity as well as the future historical memory for good. I feel that President Bush 43 absolutely has ability to catch each one's different countenance, facial expression well enough, especially from each one's eye expressions. Isn't it very unique and interesting? Then if leave this painting in the White House will be very meaningful as one part of America's own history.

It’s very interesting that one of our country America’s President can finally become one of the great painting artists too from one simple thought that they can paint, I can too. I believe that anything being successfully achieved needs tremendous efforts, but not painting artists, because painting artist needs great gift of artistic visions and unique genius to mach with together. Often ones have painted life time long can never become artist level or great artist level, some ones painted quite a few years but caught other artists’ eyes or even became pulsating renowned artists in the world from history. I have been seeing many different paintings, because I love arts, although I don’t have a bit of luck or talents to engage or learn into the arts. I bought two books which listed President Bush’s paintings. One I keep for myself, the other one I gave to one of my son to keep it. I like President Bush 43’s portrait paintings the best and those paintings truly showing his great genius as a great artist’s visions which deeply connects his heart and soul to paint with ones living spirits just as though the living ones instead of just the paintings. Usually, the hardest to paint on the portraits are the pair of the eyes, because the eyes represent the very living things from one’s spirit, often eyes can talk silently. More difficult is gradually derived the characteristic of all features to combine with one’s own eyes together toward the entire one’s feature to show what he wants to paint. Not only who he or she is, but to appear entire of ones’ living spirits as authentic. That needs gift and genius to build into any great artist’s heart and soul, I guess. When I look at the pictures of those painted by President Bush 43, I have the feelings of those hearts and souls and I can’t think why, only the pictures of those paintings brought me into. I believe three of President Bush’s art coaches are very lucky to have a gifted painting artist as well as a former President Bush 43 ever became their student and being able to discover his genius artistic cells from his learning process until his greatness of artist level for all of us to appreciate those painting arts. If this is not luck, what is it? I guess.

Great work Mr President, your art works are very good.I found the first pic you did of your brothers dogs may not have not been spot on but. It showed me a sence of humor which you do have.Your portraitures were very good but I really liked The Caps,the colors were wonderful.Thank you for letting us all come into your new world. B.B. from N.J.

George H W Bush paintings are so courageous and confident for any of those situations...

Reminiscent of Lucian Freud's approach to unveiling the intricacies of psychology through portraiture studies.

I love to see President Bush's painting and this is why I bought a book of his paintings. I love President Bush and his families, because I feel he lead and governed by America's own principles and also he has a great President father who was trusted by President Reagan as his Vice President for 8 years. Also president Bush and his families is not only very principled, also they are all very kind by principles too. I also believe that they have always tried their very best for the unity of our country and the unity of Americans of all. I also believe our own country's principles and effort of all will make our country be united together always and forever.

“Unlike some Vets, he admitted he had a problem ...” Thank you for stating that.

One of my favorite artists and a President I respect. We are better off for the Bush family. -Will Griffith

Amazing. Portraits are so challenging... great job George.

He is a wonderful Human Being! He learned humility from his Mother. His Mother Barbara would always tell her Sons to "Never be Bragadocious" in other words, never brag! Barbara must be very proud watching him from Heaven.

I still admire George W. Bush's sense of humor til this day. Have always loved his character. He's got to be the funniest president in our history of presidency in the U.S. He wasn't perfect during his time in office, he made some mistakes, but his character was perfectly perfect for the job during that time in office.💖 I still love you Bush. Hugs and blessings to you and yours. And congratulations to your new accomplishment in becoming a painter. I myself have been wanting to get into it for a long time now...I now have all the material I need for it to get started. Something's that's been in me to do for a long time now. Ty for your inspiration of encouragement in this area.

Awesome job GW ! I’m so glad you respect our veterans! Thank you very much!

This story is just very wonderful !! To learn that GWB was starting to paint years ago - I was pretty floored. As a fellow painter, I am impressed with your artworks and your perserverance !! How wonderful that you are using your passions and talents to help others !! That is just the very height of humanness !! God Bless.

I Really, really would love to see him do a lot portraits of Laura Bush.

Such a wonderful special and how touching to honor those who have served our country. Thank you & our service people for protecting our country.

I used to luv to watch Bob Ross paint on PBS, and via RU-vid I can still watch him, and countless other artists, with different techniques. I’ve evolved into wanting to put like ya know pictures from the Webb telescope about the Universe, and the amazing and colorful observations on my wall and ceiling. Aesthetics are everything. Paint on George, very noble of you to include obviously people who influenced you along some very troubling times. Whew, wow, yeah

George Bush's art work is very impressive. Who knew he was so talented?

Really great! Loved the pets and the self portrait. Really liked them all. Very impressive.. Makes me think of Winston Churchill.

Oh Mr. George, This is wonderful, thank you

Bravo Mr President. You've come a long way. I love your art and that you have been open to criticism so you could continue to learn and grow in your 🎨 art.. while not a fan politically I've always thought of you as a very nice man.

The art of paintings are too beautiful..

I had hoped to get to see him painting.

Such a fun interview to listen to! Thank you for sharing!

Probably the best thing Bush ever did

I’m glad I watched this. I’d always had a different opinion about President Bush than I do now. I believe that he was manipulated by others who were much more sly and concealing and had unscrupulous motives. Time and more information often gives a us a much broader perspective if we are open to receiving and willing to admit that situations may have been much more different than we originally thought. It doesn’t mean our later opinions are drastically different, but maybe just more tempered by more thorough knowledge. Remaining open-minded and willing to re-examine my previously formed opinions about people and situations, about everything really, is crucial to growing as a person. If I insist on maintaining a specific opinion and am not willing to re-examine it, then I am no longer teachable. That means I am no longer able to grow as a person and will remain stuck in that moment. To me that is tantamount to withering away & dying. Learning and growing as an intelligent living being is what life is about. It’s about forward movement, whereas remaining stuck in one moment of time is about death. And we all make mistakes. It’s easy to sit and judge others for their decisions and actions but unless you are walking in their shoes with the same amount or lack of knowledge and truth, it is impossible to know and truly unfair to judge & condemn others for whatever decisions they make. I’ve been on the receiving end of my share of unfair judgments by others who I know do not know the whole truth about me or the situation, and know that some of situations others judge me negatively on in the past is either partially or totally untrue and/or twisted and no amount of protesting or trying to express the truth will change the minds of others who are determined to think the worst of me because they have their own agenda and motivations to think the worst of me. I believe in myself and I know what my truth is so all I can do is go on with living my life and being my best self and forgiving myself for my past mistakes. I can’t change anyone else’s opinions or actions. That’s up to them. Sometimes it’s very unfair because they can affect/infect others, even to the point of ruining reputations and harming other people’s lives and cause others to suffer for it. I know that from personal experience. The best I can hope for is that those people’s eyes and minds will someday be opened to seeing and hearing the truth. I can’t force it on them. In fact, it’s a useless waste of my time and energy to try and will only cause me and perhaps others even more unhappiness and frustration at the very least. I have gained a new respect for President George Bush jr. I can’t say that I would have done a better or worse job than he did. But that he did his best to make the right choices and decisions at the time with the information he had is what I now have come to believe. And undoubtedly he probably didn’t have the complete and total truth, facts and information of everything that was happening at the time. It’s easy to look back 15-20 years and say he should have done it differently. Hindsight always gives you a different perspective. I’m sure that most people have thought and said the same about thing about their own personal lives and what they did or didn’t do. I don’t know anybody who hasn’t made plenty of mistakes or come to the wrong conclusion about a situation or judged somebody wrongly. Myself included. Anybody that claims to have gotten it all perfect is someone who is lying to themselves. I’m willing to admit to my own faults & mistakes & out my ego aside and be willing to strive for understanding & to be forgiving of others for theirs. I can only hope that others may be willing to do the same for me. I can’t ask that of anyone else if I’m don’t have humility & be willing to do that for them. And know that I am, just as we all are, an imperfect human being and I will make more mistakes before my life is over. I can hope that those mistakes will not cause grievous harm to others. It is not my intention to harm anyone and I can only ask humbly for understanding and hopefully for forgiveness from others if I do. My greatest wish would be that all of us could always be kind and courteous, caring and empathetic, generous and loving, to each other and to ourselves. Maybe, just maybe, someday in the future, that may come to be. That is my hope, my dream, my wish, and my ultimate goal. Live, and let Live, with Light and Love to Everyone, Everywhere, All of the Time.

That was lovely. As a creative I really enjoyed these interviews.

Congratulations President Bush, your paintings are fantastic. Much Love Pat

I love President Bush’s perspective.You have to learn the rules in order to break them🇨🇦

Never Stop Having Vision, Learning & Passion. You Are A True Leader. We Love You President Bush ❤

Enjoyed this very interesting discussion. My sense is Pres. Bush is in the process of finding that missing hat... Would be interested to know what he's doing now. Future projects?: Try to channel your energy into helping people. Also liked his idea of doing trees. What happened with that? I can picture "Trees of America." It is truly amazing how diverse and beautiful our country is. Depicting trees of different regions might be very positive. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing and awesome too ❣️

I’m actually glad to see him painting. I’ve taken up painting in my older age, so burned out on day to day stuff I usually can’t wait to get home and shut out the awful world, as a president, well one cannot do that. So I find that now, just music and painting, get me through, ya know, after the usually awful day is done, I just can’t wait to get back to it.

This was so cool!!!

Petrina Ryan-Kleid, War Games. It's really a good painting 🙂

I liked seeing G. O'Keefe 'mtn.' Pedernal in NM. And I'm always glad to see creativity happening...perhaps it might even save our planet. Thanks for the vid. Abq. NM

so gifted, never knew❤️

Beautiful Art Work, Thank you.

I am amazed at President Bush's talent...he is still an inspiration. His patriotism to our armed forces is awe inspiring. I wish there were more men of his caliber....no one could have handled what he had to, under much criticism, yet he was an American Patriot, and one of our greatest presidents. Thank you, Sir.

Politics & wars aside, I really like Bush’s personality and his humanism.

Happy birthday👑 Dad... Lot's of Real love and Respect. Love your Son's Jesus and Alexander Warrior Bush 🇺🇲👑🇺🇲💯 Lot's of love from all our Family 🇺🇸

Awesome ! All the admirations and respect.

Yeah I like his paintings I like the way he expresses his paintings he makes painting more fun when you see his and not as stressful he's definitely an artist

“It is an easy task to let one’s imagination to run wild and to produce such forms as never existed before , the value of art does not depend on one’s rich imagination, the value of art depends on how one’s rich imagination is mastered.” -Eliel Saarinen

Thank you , thank you, thank you. This is a great tribute to our men at arms

Sir please paint portraits of your parents, daughters and grandchildren 😎🤘🏻🙏🏻

The age-old question -- what to do after being president? And we see our previous Presidents really showing us what they're about after they leave the White House. Obama is a Hollywood mogul, Clinton ever the politician, Carter went back to his roots teaching Bible school and helping the rural poor, Reagan went back to being a movie cowboy (said in good humor). And President Bush . . .became an accomplished painter?! Famous Walt Whitman quote "I contain multitudes" as we all do and how inspiring to be reminded of that.

Love your paintings and your humor! Thanks for your service to our country as president and as an artist.

Can you paint some war scenes please? Im a veteran, and Id like to relive it again.

He begins to look more like his father god bless America and all world we need world leaders for real and for freedom people’s you can trust . Take care and have nice lovely days ladies and gentleman

❤

LIFE IS TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED 💝 LOVE ALONE CAN CONQUER THE WORLD

The Best painting 🖼 I enjoyed were of his Brother's Dog's Keep On 🖼Painting

I knew he was one of my favorite Presidents . Him and Truman

THAT MODERATOR LADY IS GORGEOUS!

I dont like religion or care much for Republicans, but bush does seem like a pretty like guy, comes naturally to him. Good job on the paintings.

I am impressed 😎🏁

Thank you for sharing

Fantastic video!

Loved this video!

Very nice art

There is one that I really like. Him in a bathtab. Hockney.

👏 Awesome!

Very interesting!

George W. Bush, sir God bless you

HEY GEORGE PAINT ME A PICTURE OF THE TWIN TOWERS

The Dogs!😍

That's great

GW! It's good to see one of us is painting, long time no see ? Still tied up in what I've been doing. And all the bs in politics! I pray you And Laura are well ? Say Hi for me? And maybe some day will get that to paint together? God Bless you both ! In Yeshua's precious name Amen...

Impressed

I love president Bush he is so nice and funny good son brother husband father and grand now ,good friendship whit other presidents from the other political parties is an amazing man

Very impressive!

I love you Mom and Dad ❤️🇺🇸💌🇺🇲❤️ Love Jesus W Bush ❤️

I started to love cool guy

Good job!!!!

Love you Mom🇺🇲🎂🇺🇲💯

تحيه الى الوالد ❤️🇺🇲❤️✌️

Thanks