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Fame, with brush: Check out Tony Bennett's surprising side gig

He may have 17 Grammys, a packed summer tour schedule and a new album on the way with Lady Gaga, but even Tony Bennett needs a break from the spotlight once in a while. That's when he picks up his paint set.Some fans of the star's music will be surprised to hear that Bennett, under his given name of Anthony Benedetto, has been churning out watercolors, oil paintings and sketches every day for year
Image: In his New York art studio, Tony Bennett finishes a painting while sitting among several of his completed works.
Neal Carter

He may have 17 Grammys, a packed summer tour schedule and a new album on the way with Lady Gaga, but even Tony Bennett needs a break from the spotlight once in a while. That's when he picks up his paint set.

In his New York art studio, Tony Bennett finishes a painting while sitting among several of his completed works.
Today

Some fans of the star's music will be surprised to hear that Bennett, under his given name of Anthony Benedetto, has been churning out watercolors, oil paintings and sketches every day for years, whether he's on the road or working from his bright New York studio.

Bennett caught the fine-arts bug as a kid drawing with sidewalk chalk near his childhood home in Queens, New York, according to his artist bio, and has trained with various masters throughout his life.

Photographer and TODAY producer Neal Carter went behind the scenes with Bennett to bring us a special glimpse of the singer’s self-described alter ego and colorful creative work.

Bennett greets visitors at a recent gallery exhibition of his work in New York City.

Image: Tony Bennett greets visitors to his exhibit in New York. The gallery of paintings and sculptures features work from throughout his career.
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Bennett's paintings, largely inspired by real-life encounters and experiences, filled the space.

Paintings by Tony Bennett on display at a gallery in Midtown Manhattan.  Bennett says he works on his art every day.
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A gallery visitor takes in Bennett's "Sunday in Central Park."�  

Image: A visitor admires the painting \"Sunday in Central Park\" by Tony Bennett in a New York City art gallery.
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A portrait of late actor Mickey Rooney, a close friend, was among the singer's earlier works on view.

Image: A portrait of actor Mickey Rooney by Tony Bennett.  The painting is among Bennett's earlier works.
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Bennett enjoys experimenting with styles and media, as in this watercolor inspired by the Lincoln Memorial.

Image: A gallery visitor admires a painting by Tony Bennett
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Bennett recently branched out into sculpture with a bronzed clay bust of pal Harry Belafonte.

Image: A bust of singer-actor Harry Belafonte is displayed among Bennett’s paintings.  Bennett titled the sculpture of his dear friend, “The Patriot.”
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The singer signs canvases with Benedetto, his family name.

Image: Tony Bennett's signature on a canvas
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"I’d like to keep growing as an artist both musically and artistically,” Bennett told TODAY.

Image: Tony Bennett in his New York studio
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Bennett said his family encouraged his dual passions early on, inspiring him to this day. 

Image: Tony Bennett at work in his art studio
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