George W. Bush is to publish a book of his oil paintings of military personnel and veterans, with the proceeds going towards veterans charities.

Published on February 28, the tome will be entitled: Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors.

The book will feature 66 oil paintings and a four-panel mural of military veterans and those in active service.

"This is a book about the men and women who have been tremendous national assets in the Armed Forces - and who continue to be vital to the future success of our country," Mr Bush writes in the introduction.

"The greatest honour of the presidency was looking them in the eye and saluting them as their Commander in Chief. And I intend to support and salute them for the rest of my life."