What’s Your Story?
"You just tell a story on the canvas. I always tell a story on the canvas. You only have to learn how to do it. I have a big brush and I tell the story with the almighty brush in bold strokes." -- Bill Alexander Every great artist from Rembrandt to Bill Alexander had one thing in common — their paintings told a story. The religious themed paintings of Giotto and the … [Read more...]
“…oh, God, what a life!”
All of Bill's paintings told a story. We've already discussed the importance of story in your paintings. You want your paintings to sell? Make sure they tell a story. It's what makes them interesting to your viewer. In this clip Bill adds a bit of detail to the rocky ledge and tells the story of what he sees in the painting. … [Read more...]
“…I get a lot of love letters.”
Do you want to be a successful artist? Listen to what Bill says. "I like to be in good close touch with people..." Bill loved his fans. Bill read every single letter his fans sent him. Did you know that Margarete, his wife, used to respond personally to each letter? … [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...]