Portraits by George W. Bush go on display

4 Apr, 2014 11:49 PMQuick Read

A portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin which is part of the exhibit "The Art of Leadership: A President's Diplomacy,". Photo / AP

Former President George W. Bush is displaying his portraits of world leaders in the first exhibit of his work as an artist.

The portraits that include everyone from a grim-looking Russian President Vladimir Putin to a smiling likeness of the late Czech playwright and President Vaclav Havel are part of an exhibit opening Saturday at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas. He even did a self-portrait.

Gallery: The art of George W. Bush

A portrait of the Dalai Lama which is part of the exhibit "The Art of Leadership: A President's Diplomacy," is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Fr

Image 1 of 10: A portrait of the Dalai Lama which is part of the exhibit "The Art of Leadership: A President's Diplomacy," is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Fr

The exhibit called The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy runs through June 3.

In an introductory video to the exhibit, Bush says that painting the portraits let him convey his feelings about the subjects.

Bush started painting in 2012. The exhibit also includes gifts given to Bush by many of the world leaders, along with photographs.

- AP