THE ART OF TONY BENNETT

Ever since Anthony Benedetto, at the age of five, began drawing chalk pictures on the sidewalks pf his hometown in Astoria, Queens he has had a passion and commitment to art that has flourished. With his standing over five decades as one of the premier entertainers is the world, he finds time to paint every day, sketching the view from his hotel suite or out in the countrysides to which he travels. Painting under his family name of benedetto, his work has been exhibited in the galleries throughout the world. The United Nations has commissioned his artwork on two occasions including their 50th Anniversary. Bennett's painting honoring good friend David Hockney, "Homage to Hockney," is on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio and his original oil painting, "Boy on Sailboat, Sydney Bay ," is part of the permanent collection at the prestigious National Arts Club in Gramercy Park in Manhattan. With the publication of a beautiful-bound book of his paintings, "TONY BENNETT: WHAT MY HEART HAS SEEN," by Rizzoli International in 1996, a lifelong dream has been realized. The book is in its second printing and is available at fine bookstores everywhere.

Tony Bennett began formal training as an art student at the School of Industrial Arts (now known as the School of Art and Design) in Manhattan and continued his studies with private studios and teachers throughout the years. A self-proclaimed "museum freak," he visits museums and galleries all over the world, especially during his extensive concert tours.His work as a painter has been featured in several art publications including ARTNEWS, INFORMART, and THE ARTIST'S MAGAZINE. Along the many owners of original Benedetto's around the world are Prince Charles, the late Cary Grant, Carol Burnett, Frank Sinatra, Mickey Rooney, Donald Trump and Steve Wynn.