Bill Main

Artists Bio: by Bill Main

After four years of art in high school, my art teacher suggested I pursue a career in art. Financial concerns and a desire to travel lead me to join the Navy instead. I had the opportunity to become a draftsman in the Navy, a designer with an office furniture company, and finally as a draftsman and designer in the Engine Design Department at Ford Motor Company. While my career did include drawing, family responsibilities, the passing of my first wife and raising four sons kept art on the back burner.

Several years before retirement, my second wife began encouraging me to pick-up some relaxing hobbies and bought me some art supplies for Christmas. I wanted to get back into painting, but it had been many years and I felt “rusty”.

Shortly after becoming “Villagers” in 2005, I joined the Wet ‘N Wild Watercolor group. They are a nice group of people, and the weekly meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn. I’m very grateful for all the help I received.

Now I’m an active member of several groups that provide many opportunities to participate in art related activities. I’ve had the privilege to win various awards, as well as take art classes through the Life Long Learning College from some very successful professional artists such as Tom Jones, Karlyn Holman and Joe Miller of Cheap Joe’s art stuff. Recently I’ve branched out into teaching basic watercolor painting and I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills. I like the creativity that art allows me, and best of all, I’m having SOOO much FUN!