So-called “fine artists” critiqued Bill quite harshly during his career for his style of oil painting. Bill developed his technique to create beautiful oil paintings quickly and easily. He needed to sell his work at a price that his customers could afford yet would allow him to earn a decent income. Bill and Margarete never seemed to have much money, but Bill earned enough to pursue his passion.
Bill never let other artists’ criticism bother him. His confidence came his knowledge of the painting techniques of the Renaissance “Old Masters”. These were the same techniques used by da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and others. Northern German art was heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance artists. Bill grew up and trained in this tradition.
Artists lost these techniques for centuries. The Impressionists revived these techniques in the mid to late 1800’s. Bill revived them one hundred years later.
Bill was a great teacher because he was so supportive of his students. He developed his ideas about creative power as a way to encourage his students and bring out their best work. He knew if he could make them great artists, they would become great human beings.
Ruth says
So awesome! I love this guy.