George W. Bush Has New Paintings Of 24 World Leaders, Including This Haunting One Of Vladimir Putin

Former President George W. Bush unveiled a round of paintings on Friday, in an interview with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, on the "Today" show.

Bush's paintings are part of an exhibit at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum entitled "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy." The exhibit will feature portraits of 24 world leaders - all of whom Bush said have never seen their portraits. Bush has taken up painting as a hobby since leaving office.

The new exhibit will feature Bush's painting of Russian President Vladimir Putin:

Bush told an anecdote of when Putin "dissed" his Scottish terrier, Barney. During one trip to Russia, Putin showed Bush his dog - a massive hound. Bush said anyone who thinks "my dog is bigger than your dog" is an "interesting character," and he tried to reflect that in the painting.

"Vladimir is a person who in many ways viewed America as an enemy. I tried, of course, to dispel him of that notion," Bush said.

Here's former British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

Bush said it conveys a strong and "passionate" person, as well as a "reliable friend."

Here's Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf:

Afghan President Hamid Karzai:

And the Dalai Lama:

But Bush said his favorite portrait was the one he painted of his father, President George H.W. Bush. "I painted a gentle soul," he said, adding that he teared up a bit while painting his father.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush, however, doesn't plan on being profiled by her son.

"Absolutely not," she said, when asked if she'd sit down for a portrait.

Here's the clip, from NBC:

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