10 Celebrities Who Have a Talent for Art

Did you know there are many celebrities from movies, television, politics, and music who also have an artistic talent? These multitalented individuals use some of their time off from their day jobs to partake in artistic activities like painting, drawing, and sculpting. Some of them are even good enough to be recognized by art critics or have had their work displayed in galleries. Here are 10 talented artists who also happen to be celebrities.

1. George W. Bush

After leaving office in 2008, former President George W. Bush has been living a quiet life in Texas. A hack of his sister’s email account in 2013 revealed his hidden talent of portrait painting. Since that time, Bush has continued painting more subjects, including his dogs and a series of oil paint portraits of other world leaders.

2. Tony Bennett

Singer Tony Bennett has had a passion for art since a young child. Now, he paints under the name Antonio Benedetto. He tries to make painting part of his daily routine, and he’s been exhibited all over the world. He paints a variety of topics, including portraits of other famous individuals, like Duke Ellington. His portrait of the famous musician hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

3. Paul McCartney  

Another musical genius who is known to possess great artistic talent is former Beatles’ member, Paul McCartney. McCartney has found some inspiration from his life into his art, which is usually made up of modern painting techniques and abstract images. He started painting at the age of 40, and he continues to dream up images for his unique canvases.

4. David Bowie

Before his death in 2016, David Bowie had accumulated a large collection of his favorite artists and their works. Bowie also was an accomplished painter and had completed several noteworthy works during his lifetime. His style was contemporary, with a collection of self portraits and other subjects with contrasting colors and different brush techniques.

5. James Franco

James Franco, star of films like Pineapple Express, 127 Hours, Spiderman, and This is the End has many other interests beyond the movie screen. He did an acting stint on the classic soap opera, General Hospital, as a deranged painter named Franco. He also partakes in painting as a hobby during the times when he’s not committed to a filming project. His artwork and point of view are somewhat eccentric, using different materials and mediums to express his ideas.   

6. Johnny Depp

Pirates of the Caribbean star and 21 Jump Street alum Johnny Depp is another celebrity with a passion for painting and creating unique pieces of art. He has completed many different portrait projects, including one iconic view of musician Keith Richards. He has also used some of his more casual pieces to help raise money for various charities, including relief for Hurricane Katrina, Parkinson’s Disease, and The Royal Blind School in Scotland.

7. Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu, who is best known for starring in Charlie’s Angels and the television show Elementary, is also a gifted visual artist. She began her artistic career using a different name, Yu Ling. Her art combines different mediums, like collage, photography, and paintings to capture a feeling or an idea. Liu’s work has also been the subject of several exhibitions in the United States, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada.

8. Sylvester Stallone

Many people are quite surprised when they find out Sylvester Stallone has a talent for creating visually stunning paintings. Stallone, who gained worldwide fame for writing and starring in 1976’s Rocky, has gotten recognition for his artwork in recent years. Stallone has a modern style that creeps toward expressionism. His work has been featured in an art exhibit at Zurich’s Galerie Gmurzynska. Stallone feels even more passion for his art than his extensive career in film and television.

9. Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono, who is the widow of the Beatles’ John Lennon, made a name for herself as a singer and advocate for peace during the height of Lennon’s popularity. Originally, she worked alongside her husband in many different projects aimed to get people talking. Today, she’s most known for her visual artwork projects. She’s put together unique pieces that use billboards, performance art, crowdsourcing, and more to promote her ideas about peace.  

10. Prince Charles

The last celebrity with a special appreciation and talent for art is Britain’s own Prince Charles. Son of the current sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles’ paintings have fetched high prices in the art purchasing world. Prince Charles’ preferred painting technique involves watercolors and stunning landscapes he’s been inspired by through his military tours and travels.

Many of the public’s favorite famous figures, including actors, singers, politicians, and royalty, have other talents that have led to new opportunities in creating high-quality artwork. While some of their pieces may not be masterpieces, they give the public even more to talk about and show an interest in.