Sir Michael Caine has claimed that his favourite artist Lincoln Townley could be the 'next Andy Warhol' after he sold out the world-renowned La Biennale in Venice.
The legendary actor, 91, has collected several pieces of art painted by some of the world's most sought-after artists including David Hockney, 86, who famously designed menus for the restaurant he once owned.
However, the Italian Job star has supported and become a firm favourite of Lincoln Townley - who is married to Denise Welch - over the last 10 years as he has been regularly painted by him.
When talking about Lincoln's exhibition at the world-renowned La Biennale in Venice, Michael exclusively revealed to MailOnline: 'Lincoln Townley calls me his muse and that’s a title I’m happy to have, every piece he paints seems to become more powerful,
'I have followed Lincoln’s career for over ten years and I have watched him grow and develop as a world-class artist. I was so pleased to hear that he sold out his show,
Sir Michael Caine (left) revealed that his favourite artist Lincoln Townley (right) could be the 'next Andy Warhol' after he sold out the world-renowned La Biennale in Venice
The Italian Job star has supported and become a firm favourite of Lincoln (pictured) over the last 10 years as he has been regularly painted by him
Lincoln pictured with his wife Denise Welch back in 2018
Denise planting a giant kiss on good pal Sir Michael Caine's shoulder as they enjoyed a night out at The Ivy Chelsea Garden in London back in April 2022
'I like to think of it that he arrived at the palazzo in Italy for the Venice Biennale and blew the bloody doors off!'
Lincoln first painted Michael and his wife Shakira Caine in 2016, and after he presented them with the painting, Lincoln revealed Michael proudly said: 'There's no doubt in my opinion that Lincoln is the next Andy Warhol.'
He added: 'I have always looked at greed as a very positive energy. In the case of my sell-out show at the Venice Biennale, it’s all about power consuming power, the savage god that my buyers worship,
'It’s the god we see only when we have the courage and the honesty to look beyond good and evil, to suspend our judgment and see our ravenous species for what it is.
'My collectors see themselves in my work, they hang these oil works with pride and celebrate the fact that they push boundaries to secure 100 per cent of the deals they are working on within their financial world. There is glory in greed and glory can only be acquired through risk.'
The self-taught painter is set to host another art exhibition later this year, and MailOnline can exclusively reveal the exhibition will feature paintings of Michael to pay homage to the Hollywood actor's incredible career.
It comes after the London-born artists' biggest show to date was unveiled last month at the Palazzo Bembo Hotel in Venice.
The exhibition features a collection of 24 abstract figurative oil paintings which explore the controversial obsession with money, power and greed and focus on the world of bankers.
Lincoln first painted Michael and his wife Shakira Caine in 2016, and after he presented them with the painting, Lincoln revealed Michael proudly said: 'There's no doubt in my opinion that Lincoln is the next Andy Warhol.'
When talking about Lincoln's exhibition at the world-renowned La Biennale in Venice, Michael revealed: 'I like to think of it that he arrived at the palazzo in Italy for the Venice Biennale and blew the bloody doors off!' (Pictured L-R Michael, Lincoln, and Tom Cruise)
The unique show will run for eight months and the works will be ‘refreshed’ every two and half months.
Meaning that collectors who have already bought the paintings will get the opportunity to see the works exhibited.
Lincoln is one of the UK's most successful modern artists and his work currently sells for in excess of £1million.
Aside from Michael, he has also been commissioned to paint several other icons including Charlie Sheen, Al Pacino, Kate Moss, Princess Diana, David Bowie, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Lincoln is one of the UK's most successful modern artists and his work currently sells for in excess of £1million