America is like a big, big park and Nature is always at work just around the corner of the town or city. -- Bill Alexander Bill loved America. His autobiography speaks to the wonder and beauty of our country. Bill developed a love for Mother Nature from an early age. In spite of the poverty and devastation in which he grew up, he always found solace and comfort in Mother … [Read more...]
“…without dark there is no light.”
Bill often makes this comment during his videos because it is so important and so basic to great art. In order to create the illusion of light in your painting you often have to surround it with dark. This was called chiaroscuro by the "Old Masters" and Bill understood not only the term but the technique. If you look at some of his candle paintings, you can see his mastery at … [Read more...]
“…you create those kind of things.”
Bill is continuing the process of pushing his mountains farther into the background by building up his foreground. He has already darkened the base color because this part of the mountain range is the closest to the viewer. The mountain lake and the water run-off has also receded into background adding to the perspective of the painting. Also notice how Bill pulls your eye … [Read more...]
“Nobody wants a painter on television.”
That’s a dumb idea! Nobody wants a painter on television. -- Bill Alexander Technology fascinated Bill. He was still giving demonstrations in department stores. He marveled at the rows and rows of televisions on display. He thought about using television to teach viewers how to paint. This quote, from his autobiography, "The Bill Alexander Story" shows Bill's foresight. … [Read more...]
“…just for that almighty buck.”
Bill experienced a lot in his lifetime. He was born in abject poverty. As a child, he grew up in the aftermath of World War I. He was drafted into the Wehrmacht during an even more horrific war. His father was murdered by the Nazi's for standing against the fascists. Bill couldn't help being an observer of his fellow man. He was adamantly anti-war. But more importantly he was … [Read more...]
Mountain nuances
God gives you all that talent and all that oompah to do whatever you feel you can do... -- Bill Alexander Notice the subtle nuances Bill adds to his mountain. In one of Bill's videos he shows how he goes to goes to great lengths to create a unique mountain peak. It was these subtle "nooks and crannies" that distinguished Bill's mountains from every other artist. It's what … [Read more...]