'He'll go down in history as a great artist': George W. Bush's painting teacher talks about his prowess - and penchant for painting dogs

An artist who taught former President George W. Bush how to paint both animals and landscapes in a recent month-long course is now speaking out about his skills as a late-in-life painter.

Mr Bush spent four weeks in private lessons alongside his sister-in-law in a home in Boca Grande, Florida where they improved their technique and expanded their artistic horizons.

'He has such a passion for painting, it's amazing,' said instructor Bonnie Flood.



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Presidential painter: Former President George W. Bush spent a month getting private painting lessons in Florida alongside his sister-in-law, where he showed a fondness for painting small dogs

She revealed that the former President loved painting pictures of dogs, though she eventually broke him of his habit and helped him paint pictures of his Crawford, Texas ranch.

'He picked it up so quick, it was amazing actually. His whole heart is in it,' the Atlanta-native told the local Fox News affiliate.



His passion for dogs comes as little surprise, as his pet Scottish terrier Barney was a constant presence around the White House during his two terms and was the star of the annual Christmas tour video.

'I think he said he's painted 50 dogs,' Ms Flood said.

Skill: His teacher, Bonnie Flood from Cummings, Georgia, said that the Republican was very passionate and talented

Range: Though he initially enjoyed painting dogs, Ms Flood said that she made him also paint landscapes like his ranch in Crawford, Texas

He took the lessons with his sister-in-law Maggie, and they worked with Ms Flood for up to six hours every day.

One amusing detail is that rather than sign his initials, he opted to leave his mark by writing '43' in the bottom right corner of each of his paintings, because he was the 43rd president.

'He's going to go down in the history books as a great artist.'

Leaving his mark: Rather than using his initials, the former President (seen at right with Ms Flood) opted to sign his paintings '43'

Legacy: Ms Flood said that he will be remembered as a painter, though there are a few other attributes that may accompany his legacy

This is not the first time that the public has seen some of President Bush's work, but it is the first time that he was aware that it was going to be on display.

Last month, a hacker released emails sent between members of the Bush family which included pictures of self portraits made by the younger former president.

The two portraits reportedly George W's feet in a bathtub and his back in a shower.

MailOnline decided not publish any of those images because they were obtained illegally.

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