Former President Bush joins Michael Medved to discuss ‘Portraits of Courage’

Listen to the entire interview with President George Bush

“Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefs Tribute to America’s Warriors” is a book of paintings by former U.S. President George W. Bush. The book features over 60 portrayals of military veterans painted by President Bush, with a description that accompanies each.

The 43rd President joined The Michael Medved Show to promote his book, which is garnering great praise from even his toughest critics of the past.

“My mission was to really bring attention to our vets and the issues they deal with,” Bush said. “For a critic of that renowned to say something like that about the artist is a dividend.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds for this book will be going to the wellness alliances of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Michael Medved joined those who applaud the art and the good nature of the book.

“It is a deep patriotism that transcends any differences of race or background, or political ideology,” Medved said.

President Bush has said that he was never a strict admirer of art in the past. He told the New Yorker that he was an “art-agnostic” all his life. Yet in the wake of his presidency, it was art that played a significant role.

“What painting has done is it has helped me transition to private life, and it has become a passion,” Bush said.

Which led Medved to a rather “softball” question: “Which position do you enjoy more and why? President of the United States? Or portrait painter?”

“President of the United States,” Bush said. “Portrait painting turns out to be a great learning experience for me. Every time I put a brush stoke on I learn. As president it was also a great learning experience but the stakes were a little higher. I enjoyed being president. I’m glad I did it and I’m glad I’m not president. Eight years is plenty.”

The book is available on hardcover now at Amazon.com.