Former president George W. Bush shared a photo of one of the many portraits he’s painted profiling wounded soldiers who were injured on the battlefield while he was commander in chief in an Instagram post in honor of Veteran’s Day on Friday, November 11.
“Over the past several months, I’ve painted the portraits of 98 wounded warriors I’ve gotten to know — remarkable men and women who were injured carrying out my orders,” he captioned an image of himself putting the finishing touches on an oversize canvas. “I think about them on #VeteransDay and every day. Their paintings and stories will be featured in PORTRAITS of COURAGE — a book and special exhibit — next spring, and I am donating all my proceeds to @thebushcenter and our Military Service Initiative’s work to honor and support them.”
In the photo, the 43rd U.S. president looks completely focused on his art as he adds some details to an impressively life-like portrait of one wounded soldier. Several finished paintings can be seen scattered throughout his studio behind him.
Bush and his wife, Laura — who along with his father, former President George H.W. Bush, have been outspoken critics of Donald Trump — congratulated the president-elect in a statement tweeted by CNN’s Jake Tapper on Wednesday, November 9. Both Bushes declined to vote for either Trump or Clinton and instead voted “None of the Above” on their presidential ballot, while voting Republican for the rest of the ticket, their spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
“Laura and I wish the President-elect, Melania, and the entire Trump family all our very best as they take on the awesome responsibility and begin an exciting new chapter in their lives,” he said. “We pray for the success of our country and the success of our new President.”
Bush was the most recent Republican to occupy the White House, serving two terms until President Obama took office in 2009.