Painting by Gene Hackman up for Auction

Legendary Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman has donated one of his paintings to benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Carnivale du Vin 2008 Online Auction. As a young man, Gene Hackman studied art at the Art Students League of New York. During his appearance on Inside the Actor's Studio (see the video below) he says laughingly, "I thought maybe I could feed myself as an artist while I was waiting to be an actor." He says that he has painted ever since, drawing or painting something almost all the time. He rarely shows his artwork, but occasionally donates his paintings for auctions, etc. This is one of those rare opportunities to purchase a painting by Gene Hackman. The Charity Buzz website describes the piece as follows: "Hackman was inspired by Carnivale du Vin's revelry to create this playful portrait of a woman seductively enjoying a glass of wine. Both the front and the back of the painting are signed by Hackman with the back reading, "with apologies to Gustave Klimt, G.H." The auction is scheduled to close December 3, 2008.

(He discusses his artwork at the 9 minute mark.)

Note: Did you know that Gene Hackman has written several novels? Take a look at Amazon.com.

Visit the Pop Life Art homepage for links to the artwork of more than 100 actors, singers, and musicians.