Paul's BEAUTIFUL Art Exhibit

Sir Paul McCartney (L) arrives with Heather Mills at the preview of his art exhibition in the Walker Gallery in Liverpool, May 23, 2002. The exhibition of the former Beatles' singer/songwriter McCartney's work includes 70 paintings alongside wood sculptures and photographs. REUTERS/Darren Staples

Sir Paul McCartney views some of his own abstract paintings, at Liverpool's Walker Art gallery, Thursday May 23, 2002. The exhibition called 'the art of Paul McCartney, is scheduled to open on May 24. (AP Photo/Phil Noble-PA) ** UNITED KINGDOM OUT **

Sir Paul McCartney poses with his own abstract painting, called Big Heart, which he has dedicated to his wife-to-be Heather Mills, at Liverpool's Walker Art gallery, Thursday May 23, 2002. The painting is part of an exhibition called 'the art of Paul McCartney.(AP Photo/Phil Noble,PA)

Sir Paul McCartney poses with his own abstract painting, called Big Heart, which he has dedicated to his fiance Heather Mills, at Liverpool's Walker Art gallery, Thursday May 23, 2002. The painting is included in an exhibition called 'the art of Paul McCartney.(AP Photo/Phil Noble-PA)

Sir Paul McCartney stands next to his painting "Big Heart" which is dedicated to his fiance Heather Mills at exhibition in the Walker Gallery in Liverpool, May 23, 2002. The exhibition of former Beatle's singer/songwriter McCartney's work includes 70 paintings alongside wood sculptures and photographs. REUTERS/Darren Staples

McCartney brings his art back to Liverpool

By Toni Vorobyova

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Paul McCartney returned to Liverpool, home of the Beatles, Thursday to launch a showcase of his art in the gallery he visited as a child with John Lennon.

One of northern England's main art galleries, the Walker, is exhibiting over 60 of McCartney's works, including, for the first time, wooden sculptures.

"That I one day might have had an exhibition here would have been unthinkable then," said McCartney, casual in a blue denim jacket and white t-shirt.

The former Beatle took up painting 20 years ago, at the age of 40. Since then, he has produced some 600 pieces.

"For me it's an enjoyment thing," he told reporters. "I basically like to apply paint onto canvas. I just like the act of it -- I make it up as I go along."

"I really don't analyze them that much."

McCartney posed for photographers in front of Big Heart, a brightly colored painting of a heart created in 1999, after he met his fiancee, Heather Mills. However, he declined to give any details of their forthcoming wedding.

McCartney's first exhibition was held in Siegen, Germany three years ago. The show in Liverpool is his first major exhibition in Britain.

He said he wanted visitors to the gallery to enjoy the images, the colors and the freedom of his paintings.

Some art critics slam his work. McCartney says they are entitled to their opinions.

"Life can be boring if you just stick to the same old things," he said, fresh from a solo tour of the United States.

McCartney and Mills are due to marry on June 6 in a star-studded ceremony in New York, a match that he has said his children have found difficult to accept.

He has said he "cried for a year" after his wife Linda died of breast cancer in 1998.

"I think a second marriage is hard for the children," he said earlier this month. "But it's how it is and how it must be, and I think that more than anything they want me to be happy -- and this is what makes me happy."

Former swimwear model Mills lost a leg below her knee in 1993 after she was hit by a police motorcycle in central London. She went on to fund raise for amputees and landmine charities.

05/23/02 15:06 ET

McCartney Brings His Art Back to Liverpool

By Toni Vorobyova

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Paul McCartney returned to Liverpool, home of the Beatles, Thursday to launch a showcase of his art in the gallery he visited as a child with John Lennon.

One of northern England's main art galleries, the Walker, is exhibiting over 60 of McCartney's works, including, for the first time, wooden sculptures.

"That I one day might have had an exhibition here would have been unthinkable then," said McCartney, casual in a blue denim jacket and white T-shirt.

The former Beatle took up painting 20 years ago, at the age of 40. Since then, he has produced some 600 pieces.

"For me it's an enjoyment thing," he told reporters. "I basically like to apply paint onto canvas. I just like the act of it -- I make it up as I go along."

"I really don't analyze them that much."

McCartney posed for photographers in front of Big Heart, a brightly colored painting of a heart created in 1999, after he met his fiancee, Heather Mills. However, he declined to give any details of their forthcoming wedding.

McCartney's first exhibition was held in Siegen, Germany three years ago. The show in Liverpool is his first major exhibition in Britain.

He said he wanted visitors to the gallery to enjoy the images, the colors and the freedom of his paintings.

Some art critics slam his work. McCartney says they are entitled to their opinions.

"Life can be boring if you just stick to the same old things," he said, fresh from a solo tour of the United States.

McCartney and Mills are due to marry on June 6 in a star-studded ceremony in New York, a match that he has said his children have found difficult to accept.

He has said he "cried for a year" after his wife Linda died of breast cancer in 1998.

"I think a second marriage is hard for the children," he said earlier this month. "But it's how it is and how it must be, and I think that more than anything they want me to be happy -- and this is what makes me happy."

Former swimwear model Mills lost a leg below her knee in 1993 after she was hit by a police motorcycle in central London. She went on to fund raise for amputees and land mine charities.

05/23/02 10:38 ET