Vicari described Sinatra as "all things that inspire men" See more of Vicari's work

Andrew Vicari showed off 100 of his paintings to an invited audience of 400 at the Celtic Manor resort in Newport.

Port Talbot born Vicari who lives in Monaco has become the resort's official artist and a permanent gallery of his work has been set up there.

The Iconic Portraits of the 20th Century exhibition lasts until Sunday.

Vicari was once court painter to the Saudi Arabian royal family and government.

He also became the official artist for the first Gulf War and sold his portfolio of paintings from that era for more than �150m.

On Wednesday afternoon, he was busy putting the final touches to his collection of work which has never been shown to a European audience before.

The artist is estimated to be worth �92m

"This is the first time since 1964 I've shown in Wales. The last time was in Cardiff."

The artist said Celtic Manor owner Terry Matthew, and his son, chief executive Dylan Matthews, approached him about exhibiting the collection, which was first shown in Dubai.

He added: "They haven't been seen in Europe and then Terry and Dylan Matthews asked if I would like to do a show here in the Celtic Manor and I thought why not?

"It's beautiful - a terrific site.

"The last show I did at a hotel was in Monte Carlo and they let me take over there and they've let me do the same here.

"It's also home, and it's nice to come back."

Luciano Pavarotti is one of the living artists depicted in the collection

He added: "They've made me their official painter for the Ryder Cup venue which is quite an honour."

He said the choice of portraits in the exhibition was "my idea of the icons of the 20th century".

Among them is a recent portrait of the late Kyffin Williams while others include Dylan Thomas, Augustus John, Frank Sinatra and Pavarotti.

He is in the process of creating paintings of more Welsh celebrities such as Catherine Zeta Jones and former Welsh rugby player Gareth Edwards.