Tim Mcgrady
A celebrity artist isn’t just famous for their main gig. Some also love to paint! From music stars to actors and athletes, they’ve all dipped their brushes into the art world. While most people know them for their performances on screen or stage, these stars express themselves just as vividly with a paintbrush. Let’s take a look at 15 paintings created by Hollywood celebrities and the stories behind their artwork.
1. Sylvester Stallone – “Finding Rocky”
Yes, the man behind Rocky and Rambo is also a talented painter. Sylvester Stallone has been painting since the 1970s—long before he became a household name. His abstract, expressionist works reflect raw emotion and often contain elements related to his life. One of his paintings, Finding Rocky, is filled with bold brushstrokes and intense energy, showing a more introspective side of the action star.
2. Lucy Liu – “Secret Harmony”
Lucy Liu, known for her roles in Kill Bill and Elementary, is a prolific visual artist who has exhibited internationally. Under her Chinese name, Yu Ling, Liu creates dreamy, layered paintings that mix traditional techniques with modern themes. Secret Harmony features soft pastels and subtle figures, evoking a sense of quiet strength and mystery.
3. Johnny Depp – “Tim” (Portrait of Tim Burton)
Johnny Depp’s creativity doesn’t stop at acting. He’s also a skilled painter, often focusing on portraits of people he admires. His painting of director Tim Burton is both haunting and affectionate, blending caricature with vivid color. Depp’s portraiture shows how deeply he connects with the subjects in his life, both personally and professionally.
4. Jim Carrey – “Sunshower”
The comedian-turned-artist has taken the art world by storm with his politically charged and emotionally intense paintings. One of his pieces, Sunshower, is a vibrant burst of optimism and hope. With its radiant colors and fluid lines, the painting showcases Carrey’s expressive and cathartic style, which he often uses to process personal and global issues.
5. Anthony Hopkins – “Orpheus”
The Oscar-winning actor has been painting for decades, describing it as a deeply meditative process. His work Orpheus features abstract forms and mythical motifs, reflecting his love for storytelling and mythology. Hopkins’ art is spontaneous, driven by instinct rather than planning, much like his famous method acting.
6. Macaulay Culkin – “Banana Jesus”
Yes, Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin has also picked up a brush, and his work leans toward the whimsical and irreverent. Banana Jesus is exactly what it sounds like—an offbeat and humorous piece that plays with pop culture and religious imagery. It’s part of his quirky charm and unconventional approach to art and life.
7. Brad Pitt – “Untitled (Plaster Series)”
While not traditionally a painter, Brad Pitt has been involved in creating sculptural artworks and multimedia pieces. One of his collaborative pieces, part of the Plaster Series, involves painting and layering over cast structures. These abstract works speak to themes of trauma, healing, and self-reconstruction, reflecting Pitt’s personal growth and interest in architecture.
8. Michael Jackson – “Self Portrait”
The King of Pop was also known to dabble in drawing and painting. His Self Portrait—a simple yet poignant pencil and watercolor piece—depicts Jackson in a stylized, almost childlike manner. The painting offers a rare, vulnerable glimpse into his self-perception, away from the spotlight.
9. Paul McCartney – “Yellow Linda”
Although not Hollywood per se, Paul McCartney’s crossover into painting is too notable to leave out. The former Beatle painted Yellow Linda as a tribute to his late wife, Linda McCartney. The portrait features surreal, warm colors and soft expressions—a touching reflection of love and memory.
10. Marilyn Monroe – “Old Man on a Park Bench”
Marilyn Monroe’s artistic talents went beyond acting and singing. She painted several pieces during her lifetime, including Old Man on a Park Bench. The painting, a moody and thoughtful work, reflects her often-overlooked intellectual and artistic side. Monroe used painting as a form of personal expression and therapy.
11. James Franco – “New Film Still”
Actor, writer, director—and artist. James Franco is known for his conceptual and sometimes controversial artwork. New Film Still reimagines scenes from classic movies and TV in painted form, blurring the line between film and visual art. His style often incorporates mixed media and challenges Hollywood stereotypes.
12. Tony Bennett – “Central Park”
Long before Lady Gaga collaborations, Tony Bennett was painting landscapes under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. His painting Central Park captures the serenity of New York’s most famous green space with soft brushwork and impressionistic style. Bennett even had solo exhibitions at prestigious galleries, making him a respected name in the fine arts community.
13. George W. Bush – “Portraits of Courage”
Though not a Hollywood celebrity in the traditional sense, former president George W. Bush has become a notable figure in the painting world. His series Portraits of Courage features veterans he met during his post-presidency work. The paintings are direct and sincere, offering a heartfelt tribute to service members.
14. Robbie Williams – “Reclining Nude”
The British pop star known for his energetic performances also has a surprisingly reflective artistic side. Reclining Nude is a large, abstract nude with hints of Picasso and Francis Bacon. Williams has said that painting helps him cope with anxiety and gives him a creative outlet outside of music.
15. Joni Mitchell – “Ladies of the Canyon”
Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has always considered herself a painter first, musician second. The original cover art for her album Ladies of the Canyon is one of her own illustrations—a detailed, poetic composition filled with symbolism. Mitchell’s paintings, like her songs, blend personal storytelling with cultural critique.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings