Howard Stern is undoubtedly one of the most successful radio hosts around, with a show that’s been on the air since the 1980s. And while he is mostly known for his interviews (which can be controversial, such as the ones featuring Donald Trump), it turns out that Stern also has another passion that he’s been pursuing this whole time.
When he’s not working on his show, Stern turns to art. As it turns out, he really likes to paint. And lately, Stern’s also been showing off some of his work to fans. So far, it’s been met with mixed feelings.
How Howard Stern Got Started On Painting
As it turns out, painting is a relatively new hobby for Stern. In fact, he decided to pick up a paintbrush upon seeing the work of one Oscar-winning director. “I started painting six years ago,” the radio host told Dan’s Papers. “I was inspired when I saw the published journals of Guillermo del Toro and thought it was cool the way he treated each page as art. His written words and little paintings looked perfect on the page. I wanted to do that. I wanted to journal and draw.”
Soon as he committed himself to the art, Stern reached out to several local artists for guidance. He also studied with Frederick Brosen, one of the most prominent watercolor artists in the country. Soon after, Stern said he “threw myself into the process.” In no time, he became a skilled watercolorist himself.
He’s Gifted His Work In the Past
Once Stern took up painting, he got good at it almost immediately. In fact, back in 2015, Stern’s wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern, revealed that she “commissioned” her husband to do some works for her. These include several portraits featuring a petunia, a peony, a lilac, and a rose. “I am a collector of Howard Stern’s art, and I am the only collector,” she told Vulture. “They’re definitely works of art.” Beth also added. “People want to buy them, and he’s like, ‘They’re not for sale.'”
And while Stern’s works may not be for sale, he’s certainly not opposed to gifting them to some of his famous friends. In fact, Stern gave one to David Letterman to celebrate the late-night tv host’s retirement. “Howard gave Dave a painting to give to his wife on his last appearance last week,” Beth revealed. “He gave David Letterman’s wife a daffodil. It’s amazing.”
Here’s What Fans Really Think About His Paintings
Just a few months ago, Stern revealed his latest painting to fans. This time, the work is inspired by the seascape near his home in Southampton. “I love the ocean, and I went on an early morning walk in Southampton with the idea of taking pictures for possible paintings. When I saw the bowl of light on the beach and the long, dark shadows cast from the broken wooden fence, I knew I found something special,” he explained. “Painting the beach really allows you to see things in a whole new way—I will never look at footsteps in sand the exact same way.” While on his show, Stern also discussed his latest work briefly, remarking, “I think it’s pretty f****** good, actually.”
As for fans, it seems they have mixed feelings towards Stern’s art piece but that may only because they thought that the radio was paying less attention to his radio show. On the one hand, there were fans who praised his work. One said, “I believe you are a prodigy, if I’m saying the right word.” Another remarked, “Beautiful. Watercolor is not easy, despite what people might way…” Meanwhile, another follower said, “I am simply blown away at your detail. Only seven years of painting and you can do this?! So impressed with your talent and hard work.”
And while it seems that Stern worked on the piece while he was on a break from the show, some fans still expressed displeasure at the fact that he hasn’t done a new episode at that point. “Oprah Stern…collecting millions from SiriusXM to never show up. 2 channels of replays. Thanks for nothing,” one tweet said. Another user also commented, “Love Howard but don’t want to pay 80 bucks for nothing. The reason I’m a subscriber is because he gets me through my work day [sic]. I’ll cancel and trip when he return I think.”
Meanwhile, there are some who believe that Stern should just turn to painting full-time. One user even remarked on Twitter, “I used to love your show, but you have become way too political. Your painting is great. You should stick to it.” Another said, “You’ve got a retirement career after radio.” Meanwhile, Dan’s Papers co-publisher Victoria Schneps strongly believes that painting would be a lucrative career for him. “If he ever gives up radio, I think he could make millions selling art,” she told Page Six. “He’s that talented!”