When it comes to creativity, musicians are definitely some of the people who do it best, so it should come as no surprise that there are many musicians who are also great artists. That’s right, some of your favorite big names to see on stage are also expressing their artistic abilities in other ways. Even if you’re not that into art, you’ve got to admit that it’s pretty cool to see people doing their thing. Plus, it’s always good to see people being passionate about something. While some do it for personal enjoyment and not for entertainment, these stars are proving that it’s very possible to be good at more than one thing, and they aren’t afraid to let their talents shine. Here are 10 musicians who are also great artists.
Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson gets a lot of flack for being, well, weird. However, there’s no denying that he’s a pretty talented guy. Although he is best-known as a musician, he is also a talented visual artist who has created some great work. According to Manson, he began selling his paintings during the 90s, and although art critics have thumbed their nose as his work, he’s sold some pieces for over $100,000, and his work has been put on display all over the world.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz is a well-known producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B. But, he’s also a serious art lover who has dedicated lots of space in his home to displaying his favorite pieces of art. Swizz has made it clear; however, that his love of art goes beyond simply being a fan of other people’s work. He’s also created some work of his own and although he doesn’t like to sell his creations, he is very proud of them. According to Swizz, “I identify my life through my paintings which makes it hard for me to sell my paintings. It feels like I’m giving away one of my moments.”
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald)
David Bowie
If you’re a fan of David Bowie as a musician, then it should come as no surprise that he’s also a great artist. Bowie studied art in school, and says that visual art has helped him in his career in music. According to Bowie, “I’d find that if I had some creative obstacle in the music that I was working on, I would often revert to drawing it out or painting it out. Somehow the act of trying to recreate the structure of the music in paint or in drawing would produce a breakthrough.”
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Tony Bennett
Accomplished jazz musician, Tony Bennett, is also known for having a great career as an artist. His paintings have also earned him a significant amount of notoriety and landscapes and portraits are his speciality. Two books of Bennett’s artwork have been published, and four of his pieces have been made a part of the Smithsonian’s collection.
(Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is one of the most well-respected musicians of her generation, but when it comes to the list of great artists, she’s also mentioned there as well. Mitchell’s work as a painter has also helped her earn a lot of notoriety, and while most people know her better for her work in the music industry, Mitchell says, “I’m a painter first, and a musician second.” However, she also says that both music and painting have helped her to stay creative, and that she’s able to move back and forth easily. Mitchell has also used some of her own paintings as the artwork for her albums, and it’s great that her fans get to see both sides of her.
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
M.I.A
When M.I.A released her sophomore album in 2007, her single, “Paper Planes” became a huge hit. Fans couldn’t get enough of her creative and unique style, and she’s become well-known all over the world. However, before becoming known for being a great musician, she was an accomplished visual artist. In fact, she’s even created artwork for other musicians, and in 2012, she released a book featuring some of her work.
(Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp may be a huge musician, but sometimes he likes to just sit down and enjoy the quieter side of life. For him, this is where visual art comes in. When he isn’t on the road touring as a musician, Mellencamp is busy creating great art of another sort. His paintings include themes such as politics and religion, and he’s published a book of his work as well as had his pieces turned into an exhibit.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Courtney Love
Courtney Love may have chosen the path of a musician, but being other forms of art were instilled in her at a very young age. According to Courtney, her mother really wanted her to be an artist, and encouraged her to paint and draw. However, it wasn’t until more recently that she’s begun to really take visual art seriously. Love says, “it’s embracing this thing in my life that haunted me.” She had her first exhibit in 2012 at the Fred Torres Collaborations Gallery in New York, and she received some good feedback from critics.
(Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images)
Paul McCartney
As one of the founding members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney will likely go down in history as one of the greatest musicians of all time; however, he is also a great artist. As someone who has always loved art, and in his youth he earned local awards for his work. However, believing that only those with art degrees should paint, he put his art on hold until well into adulthood. Now; however, McCartney loves to paint and has even published a book displaying his work.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Tyler The Creator
When it comes to musicians who are also great artists, you may be surprised to see Tyler the Creator featured on this list. However, in his Odd Future crew, Tyler is always the man for the job when it comes to visual art. Aside from being a rapper in the group, Tyler also creates album art and merchandise. He’s even directed a few of his own videos. Not too shabby!
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Lead (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
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