'Anything he can't do?': Jimmy Carter stuns fans with his skills as painter, shares nature-inspired work
PLAINS, GEORGIA: Jimmy Carter's Instagram account featured side-by-side photographs of a Belted Kingfisher, a bird typically seen near bodies of water, and a wonderfully done painting of the same bird by Carter in April. "Jimmy Carter has created many paintings often focused on nature and his surroundings. Here's an example of his amazing skill," read the caption.
Fans complimented the former US president in the comments section, with one asking, "Is there anything this man can't do?" "That's beautiful. Honestly, I had no idea he painted, too. I need to do more with my life. Respect," another user shared, and a third commented, "Amazing! Did not know he painted."
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Carter the painter
Back in 2017, The Carter Centre, founded by former US President Jimmy Carter, held a silent auction that raised an impressive $2.7M. One anonymous bidder was so taken with Carter's oil painting, "Monarchs and Milkweed," that they paid more than half a million dollars for it, demonstrating the value of the former president's artistic talents.
It was in the 1980s that former President Jimmy Carter reportedly took up painting in his free time. According to the book, 'The Paintings of Jimmy Carter' which feature 50 of his favorite paintings, he began using his home woodworking shop as a artists' studio. Carter has since produced more than a hundred works, capturing the landscapes and people, both from his community and places he has traveled to.
Carter celebrated his 98th birthday in 2022, surrounded by his wife, Rosalynn, and his family. There was a huge outpouring of well wishes from the public for the oldest living former US president. Following the end of his presidential term, Carter has dedicated his life to philanthropy and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
The ideal family man
The only US president to move back to his pre-politics residence, Jimmy Carter, returned to his Georgia hometown. He and his wife lead modest lives in a two-bedroom ranch house, earning him the reputation of a friendly and ordinary southern gentleman. As a regular church-goer, he is a familiar face in the community.
In addition to serving as a former president, Jimmy Carter and his wife are also proud parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. "Our family brings us together. We have about 43 grandchildren and great-grandchildren... our interest in our children and grandchildren is one of our motivations," he said.
When not spending time with their large family, Carter enjoys relaxing and lending a hand to his wife in the kitchen, even in their old age. Despite their advanced age, the couple remains active and energetic, showing no signs of slowing down. "We try to find things to do together. We have always done that," Carter's wife shared and this includes the charity work they do through their nonprofit organization The Carter Center.