The more than twenty oil paintings exhibited by George W. Bush are an important part of the exhibition "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy," which showcases his relationships with world leaders during his presidency. These include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and others. George W. Bush mentioned that these individuals had not seen these portraits themselves.
On NBC's "Today" show, George W. Bush was interviewed by his daughter, journalist Jenna Bush Hager. During the interview, he joked: "I think their reaction would be, 'Wow, George W. Bush is a painter.'"
He also said: "I hope they get the spirit of friendship I feel towards them and the respect I have for them as leaders. I hope to show people my impression of them through these paintings."
These portraits had never been made public before. George W. Bush said: "I'm sure when they heard I was painting them, they must have said, 'Wow, I look forward to seeing his stick figures.'"
In the interview, George W. Bush also talked about an anecdote involving Vladimir Putin: Putin had once "insulted" his beloved dog, Barney. George W. Bush revealed that when he first introduced Barney to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putin showed great disdain and disrespect.
George W. Bush said that although Putin did not say it explicitly, his reaction and body language seemed to say: "You call that a dog?" A year later, Putin showed George W. Bush his own dog: a hound that was larger, faster, and stronger than Barney.
George W. Bush said: "Putin views America as an enemy in many ways, and of course, I tried to change his mind."
George W. Bush said his favorite portrait is of his father, President George H.W. Bush, and that he was moved to tears during the creative process. "I painted a gentle soul," he added.
The 67-year-old George W. Bush began picking up the paintbrush after leaving the White House in January 2009.
The exhibition will run until June 3.