Singers and Painters

The sale of a painting by Winston Churchill, wartime UK Prime Minister and polymath, was in the news. The only painting Mr. Churchill did during the second world war sold for the unbelievable sum of more than $11 million. The painting depicts a mosque in Morocco, "Tower of Koutoubia Mosque," and was a gift to President Franklin Roosevelt, who had accompanied the painter to Marrakech after their summit meeting in Casablanca. Although Mr. Churchill was an accomplished amateur his work is hardly in stratospheric category the price might imply. On the other hand (price aside) I wouldn't mind putting it on my wall. It's attractive, though the palette is a bit electric for my taste.

Winston Churchill, "Tower of Koutoubia Mosque," oil, 1943

There are a lot of celebrities from all walks of life who have taken up a paint brush. Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Jane Seymour, Peter Falk, even Prince Charles of England easily come to mind. There are many many others whose main occupation is or was in another field but who have also become known for their art. President Eisenhower was well-known for his oil painting hobby, and George W. Bush recently began showing his post-presidential works. 

Praise for works like the Churchill seem to me to arise more from surprise--''Oh, he painted?"--rather than from aesthetic enchantment. The high prices are more speculative than not and the works can be embarrassingly self-indulgent and unserious. But there are also many accomplished, even masterful painters whose main career was elsewhere. Two who deserve to be remembered for both music and art art are Tony Bennett and Joni Mitchell.

An excellent example of a talented painter who is famous in another way is Joni Mitchell. In an interview a couple of decades back she said she was a painter first and a musician second. She attended a year or so of art school before leaving and becoming a folk singer/song writer, but continued making drawings and paintings during the ensuing five decades. She has an excellent eye and a discerning vision. Her work has featured on album covers like "Clouds" (below) as well as standing on its own.

Joni Mitchell, "Clouds," gouache, 1969

Another singer whose work has garnered respect is Tony Bennett. Mr. Bennett has had a career in music spanning seven decades and even now has fans of all ages. He has also been recognized for his paintings and drawings, which he exhibits and sells under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. His work has been exhibited worldwide and is in several museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Mr. Bennett will be justly remembered for his music, but his art will likely also be his legacy.

Anthony Benedetto, "Central Park," oil, 1998