Portraits of Courage

Portraits of Courage presents 66 oil paintings and personal stories of wounded U.S. military veterans, created by former President George W. Bush. The book features veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, accompanied by Bush's own written accounts of their service and sacrifice. The collection originated from Bush's post-presidency painting practice, which he undertook in the evenings as a way to honor veterans he met after leaving office. The book includes a foreword by Laura Bush and General Peter Pace, plus a four-panel mural depicting 98 service members based on photographs. The publication supports veteran causes through the George W. Bush Presidential Center, with Bush donating his proceeds to the non-profit organization. The paintings were also exhibited at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in 2017. This unique combination of art and biography creates a bridge between civilian and military experiences, highlighting the ongoing impact of modern warfare on those who serve. The format allows readers to connect with individual stories while understanding the broader context of military service and sacrifice.

Readers praise Bush's artistic skill and personal connection to the veterans he painted. Many note the emotional impact of reading the veterans' stories alongside their portraits. The book resonates with military families and art enthusiasts who appreciate seeing a different side of the former president. Readers liked: - Detailed stories behind each portrait - High-quality art reproductions - Personal messages from Bush about each veteran - All proceeds go to veteran causes Readers disliked: - Price point ($35) for a relatively short book - Some found the painting style amateur - Political views affected some reviews Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,400+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "The stories are raw and real, showing the true cost of war." Another wrote: "The paintings capture each veteran's personality and strength."

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🎨 All proceeds from the book sales go directly to supporting veteran-focused programs through the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative. 🎨 Bush spent six hours each day painting during his initial learning phase, working with renowned artist Sedrick Huckaby as his mentor. 🖼️ The project began as a way for Bush to honor veterans and improve his painting skills simultaneously - he had never painted before leaving office in 2009. 🎖️ Each veteran featured in the book was personally interviewed by President Bush, often during recreational events he hosted at his Texas ranch. 📚 The book debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list in 2017 and remained there for several weeks, bringing unprecedented attention to veteran stories through art.