Putin the Painter

Get the hell out of here. -- Vladimir Putin has gone from Macho Man to Renaissance Man as he displays his art skills for a Russian audience getting used to being told of his many and varied talents.The hardman of Kremlin politics is better known for his exploits as a Cold War spy as well as flooring opponents on the judo mat, baring his torso on fishing trips to remote Siberia, and even last year single-handedly taming a rare Amur tiger.But the Russian premier has taken time out from his latest battles over gas with Ukraine - causing a deep chill over much of Europe - to show that, like Churchill (and also Hitler), he has a softer, more artistic side.The work for auction at a charity auction - is called 'Pattern', and shows a simple window with curtains, as might be seen in millions of dachas - small country homes - across his sprawling ice-bound empire.  The title refers to the frosty patterns on the panes as it snows outside.