George W. Bush Unveils His Paintings of World Leaders (Video)

Bush joins the pantheon of noted portraitists

Van Gogh. Renoir. Bush.

President George W. Bush unveiled his portraits of world leaders on NBC’s “Today” show Friday for his daughter, correspondent Jenna Bush Hager.

The portraits are on display at his presidential library in Dallas.

Bush joked that his latest self-portrait was an “improvement” upon his first attempt.

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“The one in the bathtub!” Hager exclaimed.

“That one made me look like Alfred E. Newman!” Bush joked.

Bush said that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was incredulous when he told him he was painting him.

“I think I told Tony I was painting him and he brushed it off, so to speak,” Bush said. “I like it because it conveys a compassionate person and a strong person and a reliable friend.”

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Bush said that he believes Russian President Vladamir Putin “views the U.S. as an enemy,” and dished that his portrait of him was influenced by his rude opinion of the president’s dog. He still holds a grudge.

“I was a little reluctant to put them out,” Bush said of his paintings. “I’m not a great artist. I don’t want people to think I’m a great artist.”

Well tough luck, Mr. President, because we do. We truly do.

Watch the video:

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