Masterstrokes to help church

Russell's effort

Golfer Greg Norman's design

Meanwhile, Governor-General Sir William Deane thought his painting so ugly, he sent a cheque instead.

Crowe revealed a softer side with a tranquil landscape of blue-green mountains and trees.

And golfer Greg Norman has illustrated why he should stick to the green, with a cute scribble of a white pointer.

A picture really does tell a thousand words. Australia's top athletes, actors, politicians and performers have taken up their paint brushes in the name of charity.

Some 120 celebrities have completed masterpieces, which will be auctioned to raise money to help rebuild the historic St Patrick's Cathedral at Parramatta in Sydney.

The 65-year-old church was gutted by a deliberately-lit fire more than four years ago.

The Catholic Church has embarked on a $9.5m drive to rebuild the cathedral, which includes a $3.5m fundraising mission.

"We have been stunned at some of the paintings, some of them are very, very good," cathedral fundraising manager Eileen Prehn said.

The creative works of cricketer Dennis Lillee and Crowe had surprised many, she said.

More from Russell Crowe's appearance at last week's GQ Men of the Year Awards in New York.

Noticeable by her absence was Crowe's girlfriend, Meg Ryan, who was dining at chic grubbery Elio's with Mike "Schwing!" Myers.

Not only was Crowe 30 minutes late for the GQ bash, he left seconds after receiving his award and dashed down the road to join Ryan and Myers.

Overwhelmingly in awe of Ryan's company, Crowe refused to pose for a picture with a fan who was celebrating her 21st. Not that you can blame him ..

In a recent Confidential we spoke of Russell Crowe accepting an award for his work in film at the GQ Men Of The Year gala in New York.

What we didn't share was his briefer than brief acceptance speech.

Crowe told the audience that having men's fashion magazine acknowledge his performance in Gladiator meant "real fur and short skirts are in!"