Did you know that many celebrities have hidden talents? In fact, many are artists who express themselves through painting, sculpting, and many other mediums. It’s hard to believe that some of the most talented folks on the planet can also be good at painting or drawing. Why do they get all the talent? Channeling their creativity into visual art is like therapy for some celebrities while others like Lucy Liu are celebrated, serious artists with an astounding portfolio of work.
We decided to round up all of the celebrity artists out there that you might not be aware of. We’re talking big names that you’d likely never guess have a special talent or side hustle. We’ve done our very best to share with you the picture of the celebrity with a work of art they created but in some cases, we had to share their artwork with you in an additional photo. If you’re looking to find the secret celebrity artists out there, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk art!
Heidi Klum
Did you know that Heidi Klum is an artist? She draws inspiration from the beauty of our natural world. In the above image, we believe she’s painting a portrait of her husband, Tom Kaulitz. You might recognize him as the guitarist for the band Tokio Hotel. Just a whole lot of artistry going on between this pair!
Seth Rogen
Multi-hyphenate Seth Rogen picked up a new hobby while in quarantine. He has become quite the skilled potter in recent years. Many of his pots and objects contain vibrant colors that really pop and put off a good, playful vibe. It’s only fitting that Rogen’s art reflects his own personality and charm.
“I made these vases,” Rogan captioned the above image. See how fun these pots are? In addition to objects for the home, Rogen has also created cannabis products for his company Houseplant. Think of cool lighters, ashtrays, rolling trays, and more. They all have this sort of signature style and were so in demand when they first launched that the website for Houseplant crashed due to the traffic.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears is not taking her artwork too seriously. “Sometimes you just gotta play,” she captioned a video of herself painting on Instagram. She favors bright colors and bold lines. There’s something childlike about the way she paints and treats her canvas. We in no way mean that as an insult! We wish we were that free!
She has also called her painting “therapeutic.” It might be therapy for Spears but it’s a legit side-hustle for her. According to People, Robin Leach picked up one of her paintings at auction for $10,000. Not bad!
Brandon Boyd
Incubus frontman, Brandon Boyd, has been stepping onto a different stage: showing his work alongside 115 independent and emerging artists at The Other Art Fair, which kicked off virtually on March 30 and will take place in person in late June. You can tell that he draws inspiration from Pop Artists and many of his works are truly moving.
Here’s some of Boyd’s artwork. We love all of the texture he has added to the paintings. It’s also great that he’s so open about sharing his artwork with the world. Some celebrity artists are reluctant to share their own work and there are probably scores of celebrities who are secret artists.
Gene Simmons
KISS bassist and singer, Gene Simmons, is another celebrity who took up painting due to the pandemic. He said that he decided to start to keep his mind occupied. Now, his work is hanging in a proper gallery. He is featured in a Las Vegas art gallery inside the Venetian, according to People. That’s not a bad run at all!
Prince Charles
Prince Charles is more than just an heir to the throne. In fact, he does more than just his monarch duties. Including painting watercolor landscapes that have made him one of the best-selling, living UK artists of his generation. In 2016, he reportedly earned nearly $3 million from prints of his watercolor landscapes, all of which went to his Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation.
Above is a cover to a collection of Prince Charles’ watercolors that was published in 1991. HRH The Prince of Wales: Watercolours, the collection of 70 watercolors is named. We think that it’s excellent that the Prince of Wales uses his art to fund charitable donations. This is an artist with a great cause!
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid is yet another supermodel who is also an artist. She usually mixes fashion and art to tell her special story. We suppose getting to wear some of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive garments really inspires some models to hone their artistic talents.
In 2019, Hadid created this tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld for an exhibition about the designer.
“Creating [this] while channeling our beloved Karl for this project was an honor and joy, and I had so much fun seeing everyone’s take on the shirt last week,” Hadid shared at the time. “He would have loved being remembered this way.”
“For those of you who have asked or are interested, the concept of my shirt is inspired by polaroids I took of Karl. The back is a painted and stitched version of an image I shot of him in Paris, and on the front, I attached a Polaroid of Karl’s suit and accessories that I shot in Milan, both in 2017,” she continued.
“I always loved the details in Karl’s outfits and studied them whenever I could. He sometimes wore suits with staples on the collar and shoulders, so I added staples to the collar and to fasten the short sleeves of the shirt. I will be forever grateful for the times he let me shoot him. He was supportive of my creative side which gave me so much confidence. It felt natural to incorporate that into the shirt. Made with Love ❤️xG,” she concluded.
Jemima Kirke
You might recognize actor Jemima Kirke from her work on Girls and Sex Education. But, before she set her sights on acting, she attended the prestigious design school, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 2008. And, yes, she’s very talented and still paints today.
She’s mounted many exhibitions in New York City and is regarded as a respected professional artist. She shared the above image of one of her paintings, entitled THREE GIRLS in 2020.
“A few years ago they moved from Israel to New York City,” Kirke captioned the image. “They spoke no English and went straight into an English-speaking school. Now they speak as if it were their first language. They also seem to be quite popular.”
“It reminds me of my own move from the UK when I was ten years old,” she continued. “Minus the popularity. The little one stayed at my house once for a sleepover and ate so much candy she got a stomach ache and couldn’t sleep. We stayed up together and I showed her the movie Grease. She called her mother and asked if she could come home. Her mother encouraged her to stay and get through it, saying she’d be glad she did in the morning. Then I understood that these children were learning lessons in resilience.”
Miley Cyrus
Actor, singer, tv personality, and celebrity are a few of the words to describe Miley Cyrus who seems to be talented at any manner of thing. Did you know that she’s also an artist? Cyrus went through a phase where she was creating remarkable 3D sculptures. She was so proud of them that they ended up displayed for New York Fashion Week and later, Art Basel in Miami.
In the above image, you’ll see one of the artist’s sculptures. Does it not look colorful and otherworldly? This was on display for Art Basel. The Hannah Montana star did an interview with W magazine following her show in New York. “I’d love to come to New York again and be able to show my art in an actual gallery,” she told W. “That’s something I’d never done before, so I’d love to do it again.”
We’re here for it!
Halsey
Halsey creates more than just your favorite pop songs. The musician also doubles as a visual artist. On her “off day” you might find her dabbling in some watercolor paintings. She has shared her takes on popular characters from animated movies before.
The above example was painted by Halsey and it features some characters from Spirited Away. We think the musicianship has a pretty good grasp of the watercolor medium. Don’t you?
Pierce Brosnan
Did you know that before he made it big as an actor Pierce Brosnan was a professional graphic designer? Yes, the 007 alum has always fostered his artistic side. Despite being almost solely an actor he never lets his art get too far away from him. He once shared of his process “I always set up a studio when I go on location.” He also uses the funds he makes from the sale of his prints for charity.
Lucy Liu
We’ve already talked a little about Lucy Liu but she’s had a parallel fine art career that not enough people know about. She studied painting and photography at the New York studio school. She works in a variety of media including collage. Her work has been seen in a variety of galleries and mounted her first solo exhibition in 2020 at the Napa Valley Museum. She sometimes uses her Chinese name, Yu Ling, professionally for her visual art projects.
Christie Brinkley
Many people don’t know that Christie Brinkley was studying to be an artist in Paris when she was discovered. In 1973, American photographer Errol Sawyer spotted Brinkley in a post office in Paris and introduced himself. It would trigger events that would result in three national ad campaigns all from that chance meeting. It launched her modeling career but Brinkley never lost interest in her first of love of art.
Brinkley paints often from her home in Sag Harbor. She is all about that beach life so many of her pieces have shell elements or other objects attached to them. She is a big fan of portraits and you will find many of her originals lining the walls of her Long Island home.
Chris Brown
If you’re not a fan of Chris Brown, you’re not alone. The R&B singer manages to anger his LA neighbors by painting his home in his own original graffiti. He uses painting as a creative outlet.
In the above example, you see Brown working on a Mario-inspired race shoe. It’s whimsical and light and a good reflection of the type of work Brown has completed around his home and beyond.
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Sylvester Stallone
You’ll find that boxing is a reoccurring theme in the art of actor Sylvester Stallone. That should come as no surprise because he famously played a boxer in Rocky.
“Stallone is an accomplished artist, completing paintings on canvas as well as sculpture work,” his artist bio reads. “He has had impressive exhibitions at Art Basil, The Russian State Museum, and most recently at the Nice Museum of Contemporary Art in France.”
In addition to the boxing subject matter, other common features of Stallone’s artwork include bright, highly-saturated colors. That gives his pieces tons of energy and his brushwork plenty of movement for even more visual interest.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is not just a funny man and solid creative in show business. He also produces a good deal of art. Most of the pieces are political in nature and offer a blunt assessment of a certain topic. As with Stallone, you’ll find Carrey’s work to be very expressive and vibrant.
“Every human being is, at the very least, a masterpiece in need of restoration,” Carrey shared along with the above image of a painting entitled Eva. “May we all be lovingly restored in 2022 and able to see each other in a better light.” That seems like a pretty positive take.
George W. Bush
The former president really leaned into painting after he retired from the White House. He has painted many portraits of world leaders, images of his beloved dogs, and completed a book with portraits of wounded veterans from the wars he oversaw while in power. The book, Portraits of Courage, is a moving collection of paintings all completed by W.
On July 4, Bush shared this image of the American flag that he’d painted for the occasion. “Let freedom ring,” he wrote alongside it. As you can see, Bush is not afraid to apply some paint to canvas! Many of his works are highly textured.
Candice Bergen
Want to talk about exclusivity? Candice Bergen might be peddling one of the most sought-after works of art for dog-lovers out there. Only those in her inner circle have gotten Bergen to paint a portrait of their pets on luxury handbags. Yes, this star does pet portraits for friends and family. She uses the profits from the painted bags to give to charity.
How cute is this offbeat pet portrait? Bergen does a great job bringing character and interest to an otherwise drab designer bag. It’s one of the more eccentric ways to create art but fans love the bags so much that she started her own line of prints featuring her designs.
John Mellencamp
Of all of the celebrity artists on this list, one of our favorites in terms of their art is John Mellencamp. The musician was set to attend art school in New York City before he was offered a record deal in the 1970s. He’s got an excellent reputation as a visual artist. Even Architectural Digest profiled him and his artist’s loft in 2019 where he showcased his moving pieces for the magazine.
“I was very heavily influenced by German expressionism,” he shared in the interview. We must agree that there is a delightful level of moodiness and angst in his work but that just makes them even more emotionally accessible for viewers. He shares his works often on his Instagram account and you should take a look if you’re intrigued.
Tony Bennett
Iconic crooner Tony Bennett is an artist when it comes to being expressive in song but he’s been painting for almost the entirety of his singing career. He often uses his birth name, Anthony Benedetto, professionally as an artist. As you might expect, he’s tried a lot of different styles and subject matters through the decades but there’s one thing that you’ll see again and again.
Bennett loves to paint the view from his window overlooking Central Park. Thus, there are a lot of landscapes and nature studies in his catalog.
“Tony is known the world over as a legendary entertainer,” his artist bio reads. “Yet as a child growing up in Astoria, NY, one of his first career ambitions was to be a painter and this passion for art has been as much a part of his life as his love for music and performing.”
Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour has enjoyed a celebrated career as an actor but she has also dabbled in jewelry design, a form of art, but it’s not all she puts her artist’s eye to. She’s become a rather prolific painter and offers her original works for sale on her designer website.
Most of her works are still lifes of flowers and botanicals but she has not boxed herself in when it comes to styles of painting. She also has completed many beautiful landscapes and portraits of herself and others. In addition to painting, Seymour also sculpts pieces. She’s keeping busy!
During quarantine, she created special cards that she sent out to seniors which was such a thoughtful and sweet thing to do. Above, you will see some of them pictured along with the star.
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Normani
Pop star Normani caused a stir earlier this year when she released a teaser video of herself painting while wearing very, very little. The video was to promote an upcoming single called “Fair.”
Here’s a still from the stunt but if you watch the video, you will quickly realize that Normani really knows how to apply paint to the canvas. We’re very interested to learn if Normani is putting those painting skills to good use today!
There you have it! We hope you enjoyed these celebrity artists who all have so much talent to share. If you enjoyed these arty celebrities, you might also like to learn about some of them who have written great books. Yes, many of your favorites are also accomplished writers! Take a look at their amazing books.
Take a look at these 25 celebrity authors and the books they wrote.
River Rose and the Magical Lullaby
$13.28 at the time of publication
A New York Times Bestseller, this children’s book written by singer Kelly Clarkson is one inspired by her daughter River Rose. River Rose and the Magical Lullaby follows River as she anticipates a big day at the zoo and the magical lullaby her mother sings to her to help her fall asleep! And guess what, this book comes with a link so that you can download the actual lullaby sung by Clarkson!
Everything Is Mama
$5 at the time of publication
Everything Is Mama was written by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. And it was inspired by the hope that it could be used to teach children different words so that everything isn’t always ‘Mama.’ This lighthearted book also features fun illustrations that include cartoon animals.
The Book with No Pictures
$8.64 at the time of publication
Another #1 New York Times bestseller is this one by actor and comedian B.J. Novak, best known for his work on The Office. It’s a unique children’s book in that it has no pictures, but don’t let that fool you. This book will still make you laugh and feel joy. The trick is to read it out loud.
Joey: The Story of Joe Biden
$10.99 at the time of publication
The First Lady of the United States wrote a children’s book about her husband, President of the United States Joe Biden’s life. This book is a great way to teach your little ones about who our current president is. It’s also a great story that teaches how hard work and perseverance leads to success.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
$11.97 at the time of publication
Former President Barack Obama also wrote a book during his time in the White House. The picture book is written as if it was an open letter to his two girls. And inside the letter are tributes to some of the United State’s most legendary heroes. So not only is this book beautiful, but it’s also a way to teach your kids about these important people in our country’s history.
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The English Roses
$11.59 at the time of publication
From compassion and the importance of friendships, legendary performer, Madonna, created a fan-favorite book called The English Roses. Amazon calls it clever, humorous, and a story that everyone can learn from.
Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars
$8.62 at the time of publication
Ricky Martin authored a children’s book titled Santiago the Dream in Land Among the Stars. It’s a story about never giving up, never doubting yourself, and always reaching for your goals. It’s a book with lessons every little kid should learn at an early age.
Not My Father’s Son: A Memoir
$8.99 at the time of publication
Alan Cummings reveals it all in his memoir Not My Father’s Son. From his complicated relationship with his father to secrets that made him who he is today, if you’re a fan of Cummings and his extensive and impressive resume, you are going to want to grab a copy of his book.
Inside Out: A Memoir
$13.99 at the time of publication
Like Alan Cummings, actress Demi Moore also wrote a memoir. Her memoir was an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller and dubbed the best book of the year by several major publications. This book is a look at Moore’s life through her own eyes and words. From her battle with addiction to her divorces and her role as a mother, Amazon calls this book emotional and iconic.
One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories
$8.99 at the time of publication
And B.J. Novak doesn’t just write children’s books, he also wrote a comedic novel as well that consists of several different stories. It became a New York Times Bestseller and according to The Washington Post, it’s a book that leaves you “unselfconscious and with insuppressible laughter.”
Dad Is Fat
$12.48 at the time of publication
A look into his past and the five kids he never thought he would have, comedian Jim Gaffigan knocks it out of the park with this relatable read called Dad Is Fat. In this read, you’ll get to learn about the many hilarious joys and horrors Gaffigan has lived through as a father of five and a husband.
Wildflower
$12.81 at the time of publication
Having lived an extraordinary life, Drew Barrymore sat down to write about her life and the journey she took to get to where she is today. The memoir is a New York Times Bestseller as well. So if you’re a fan of this legendary actress, then this one is a must-have.
Little Girl Lost
$61.75 at the time of publication
Another memoir written by Barrymore is called Little Lost Girl. This book, written in 1990, is a detailed look into her battle with alcohol and drug addiction at a very young and her subsequent stint in therapy as a teen.
Scrappy Little Nobody
$9.78 at the time of publication
Scrappy Little Nobody is a series of autobiographical essays by actress and singer Anna Kendrick. The essays take the readers through her journey to one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. And as readers have said, it’s just as comical as many of her most successful movies.
Wishful Drinking
$13.29 at the time of publication
For those who are fans of the late, great Carrie Fisher, this memoir is a deep, intimate, and at times, hilarious dive into her life. Wishful Drinking is full of twists and turns and it’s all real.
My Life So Far
$11.29 at the time of publication
In 2006, Jane Fonda wrote about her own life in her own words. Her candid words lead readers through her life as a workout guru, an activist, an actress, and the many more hats she has worn in her lifetime. Fonda said that writing this memoir has even helped her see themes in her life that she otherwise wouldn’t have! Now that’s interesting!
Bossypants
$13.65 at the time of publication
Tiny Fey is an actress and comedy writer. And according to Amazon, her 2012 book, which like Anna Kendrick’s, is a compilation of autobiographical essays. Essays that have been described as spirited and a masterpiece. So if you’re looking for a fun read, it’s this.
Yes Please
$13.37 at the time of publication
Another fun read is this one from Fey’s best friend, Amy Poehler. A #1 New York Times Bestseller, this is the best way to get to know Poehler and her journey, straight from her own mouth.
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
$12.78 at the time of publication
If you don’t love Amy Schumer now, you will after reading this book, Vogue said in their review. The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by the comedian takes a look at her past relationships, her family, and the experiences that have shaped her life.
Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel
$14.07 at the time of publication
You may recognize the name of this author, Laura Graham, as she was one of the stars of the popular sitcom, Gilmore Girls. This story is about a struggling actress trying to keep it all together while chasing success in New York City. It ultimately became a New York Times Bestseller.
Shopgirl: A Novella
$4.98 at the time of publication
He may be best known for his acting chops, by Steve Martin is also a highly acclaimed author. And his book, Shopgirl, is also an aspiring artist who makes ends meet by selling gloves in Beverly Hills. Readers then get to follow her along with her love story with a successful businessman. The particular read has become known for being tender, witty, and oh so good!
Why Not Me?
$13.57 at the time of publication
Another fan favorite from The Office, Mindy Kaling has also written several books. One of them, a #1 New York Times Bestseller is this one called Why Not Me? Filled with personal stories and insight into all that she has learned, this is one you won’t regret reading.
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life
$15.99 at the time of publication
After becoming a mother, Ali Wong put pen to paper and wrote an open letter to them and all the other girls who care to listen. From life lessons to how to be successful in the places that don’t want you to be successful, Wong’s book has been hailed as heartfelt and hilarious! Just like many of her movies!
Open Book
$16 at the time of publication
Another #1 New York Times Bestseller, this book by Jessica Simpson was created after diving into the journals she kept since she was 15 years old. She discusses her struggles, growing up in the industry and becoming a mother. You’ll learn and relate to Jessica Simpson more than you have thought possible reading this.
True Love
$28.91 at the time of publication
In True Love, Jennifer Lopez uses photography to tell her story. The story of a specific time in her life, her family, and her journey as a mom and artist. This book will put you right into what Lopez’s life was like during that time. So if you’re a fan, you’re going to want to read this.
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How many of these books have you read? And were you surprised by this list of celebrities who are published authors? From comedians to singers, it looks like their talents don’t just stop at acting, telling jokes, or recording albums! So if you’re interested in their lives or trying out one of the children’s books with your own kids, pick one of these up!
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