Former President George W. Bush has impressed many with his artwork, including his successor in the White House.
President Obama became a fan of Mr. Bush’s paintings after viewing some of them last year, the White House said. The two men flew together to South Africa to attend the funeral of Nelson Mandela and Mr. Obama viewed his predecessor’s work on an iPad during the trip.
“In private, I’ve heard President Obama speak about President Bush’s works in a very complimentary fashion,” White House principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters Friday. “I think that’s been the reaction from a lot of people I have seen — that people have been impressed both at his natural ability but also at the way he has pursued an interest that I think a lot of people didn’t expect him to have.”
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney also has expressed appreciation for Mr. Bush’s work.
Mr. Bush’s portraits of world leaders are now on display as his presidential library.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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