HUGH GRANT - GRANT SUPPORTS FATHER'S ART VENTURE

GRANT SUPPORTS FATHER'S ART VENTURE

British actor HUGH GRANT has thrown his support behind his father's blossoming career as an artist - by helping to launch his new exhibition in Southampton, New York.
James Grant, 81, who describes himself as an "amateur painter", has brought his work into the mainstream with the help of his famous son, throwing a star-studded opening at the Keszler Galley on Saturday night (05Sep09) for his watercolour works.
His first exhibit was three years ago in London, to benefit a cancer charity after his wife died from the disease - and his second show was also for a good cause, with profits from the paintings going towards the Southampton Fresh Air Home, a camp for physically challenged kids.
The Notting Hill star reveals his dad has been painting all his life, but is only now getting the attention he deserves.
He tells the New York Daily News, "I'm so proud of my dad. My dad, who lives in London and is originally from Scotland, follows the tradition of Scottish colourists. And I really love his colours in these nature scenes."
The actor's older brother Jamie adds, "Most of these paintings came about because when my brother and I get together, my dad just disappears to paint, so he doesn't have to spend time talking."