We thought it would be fun to go into our archives and reprint some of the articles from Bill’s “Fire In” Magazine. Today’s piece comes from before “Fire In” was a magazine. It’s from the Alexander Art Club Newsletter. Bill wrote the segment called “Sketches.”
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What a beautiful day it is! The sun is shining, and the grass is still wet with the morning dew. It is wonderful! I can smell the new flowers already, and I long to paint a bubbling creek filled by the spring runoff.
Nature is incredible. When I think of all the beautiful things which God has created, it fills me with wonder. And I become inspired because I am a creator also. I am the creator of the almighty canvas. And you, also, are a creator!
People have told me they aren’t good enough to paint Nature. This is silly! Because you do not copy Nature. It is not a photograph you make when you are painting. It is your soul that you put on the canvas with the mountains you make — and then it is art. It doesn’t have to be exact. In every mountain you paint, you put some of yourself. Then your painting has meaning and power!
We have been given a gift of creation, and we must use this gift. Find the creative power within you and use it. It will make you happy.
I love you,
Bill
A million thanks,Bill! I grew up camping and hiking in the mountains and woods. In my late teens I began to have inner feelings of wanting to paint the incredible scenes of places I’d seen. But I wouldn’t pick up a paint brush ‘till I was 25. My dreams began to come true when I stumbled upon a T.V. show called “ The magic of oil painting “ . There was a “funny “ little man smiling and laughing and singing and telling me that I “can do it!” I ran to the garage and found the paint set grams had given me years before, and that evening right on the kitchen table I did “do it”! Bill Alexander, you gave me … my dream. I am forever grateful and indebted to you, thank you for sharing your wonderful gift.