Bill Harris

Now age 79 I’ve been an on and off artist all my life; strictly an amateur for my own pleasure. As a teenager I took some classes at the Art Academy and from Billy Price Hosmer. I planned to major in art in college until my aunt discouraged me, saying it’s unlikely I could make a living. (She was an extremely successful and well-known graphic designer in Chicago who worked until she was nearly 100. She was a pioneer for women in the advertising world, and convinced me I should learn a real trade in college.) So I pursued a more traditional college career, but after transferring back to Southwestern (Rhodes) for my final two years I did continue to take art classes with Lon Anthony.

For many years after college I did not paint at all. Then about 25 years ago I painted for a while, but my focus was always on my business career. In recent years, after retiring, I started to paint regularly and finally became passionate about my work. It’s strictly for fun and self satisfaction, and I’m loving it.

My main focus has been nature, using watercolor and acrylic. I love the mountains of the west as well as the Smokies and the ocean, not to mention all the rest of nature!

William W. Harris, MAI