'Behind the Painted Smile' is a hard-hitting and shocking account of prolific artist Gary Cartwright's sometimes traumatic life and its affects upon his work. This no-holes-barred account, taken from his personal diaries tells of his struggles, through the ups and the downs, the laughter and the tears. Caught up in a violent relationship; being mentally and physically abused. Struggling with the issues of terminal illness, suicide, death, drug abuse and everyday news headlines, all of which feature somewhere within his work. It tells of his trials and tribulations to keep his head above water to survive, earning himself a reputation for his thought provoking paintings that have made front page news and been the subject of much debate, some of which are now in Museums and Private Collections in England and Europe. Told in graphic detail, this is not a book for the faint hearted as it sends you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It gives you a better insight into the artist himself, his life and his work. "A not to be missed book that you will read over and over again."