The Truth About Tony Bennett's Art Career

Bennett's love for visual beauty began to manifest itself early in life when, as a five-year-old boy, he drew chalk paintings on the sidewalk in his hometown of Astoria, NY. He attended the School of Industrial Arts (now known as the School of Art and Design) in Manhattan, and continued his art education through private studios and teachers throughout the years.

He finds time to paint every day, even if it's just a sketch of the view outside his hotel window, and nourishes his love with regular visits to museums and art galleries.

Bennett's success as an artist has been notable. His paintings have been featured in numerous art publications, they've been purchased by various celebrities for their personal collections, and he has had three pieces accepted as part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institute. Also, in 1996, Rizzoli International published a collection of Bennett's paintings in a bound volume titled What My Heart Has Seen, followed by the 2007 publication of Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art and Music by Sterling Publications.

Whether through music or art, Bennett's passion has been the same — to communicate with his audience. He has succeeded brilliantly.