William Alexander was born in 1915 in East Prussia, Germany. As a young man, he studied art in Königsberg and later moved to the United States in 1950. Alexander initially worked as a commercial artist, but eventually became interested in teaching and sharing his love of painting with others.
From 1974-1982, William Alexander created and hosted The Magic of Oil Painting, a television series that aired on PBS. The show was popular with audiences and featured Alexander demonstrating his wet-on-wet oil painting technique. This technique involved applying wet paint onto wet paint, allowing for blending and creating unique textures and effects on the canvas. The series was credited with inspiring a new generation of artists and painters.
In addition to his own television series, William Alexander also collaborated with other artists on various PBS programs. From 1984-1992, Alexander teamed up with Robert Warren on The Art of Bill Alexander and Robert Warren. He also worked with painters Sharon Perkins and Diane André, alternating episodes and showcasing different styles and approaches to painting with the wet-on-wet technique.
William Alexander authored a series of books on wet-on-wet oil painting, including The Art of Bill Alexander. In these books, he shared his techniques and insights with readers, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. His legacy lives on through the work of certified instructors like Mark Terrell, who continue to teach the wet-on-wet method to aspiring artists.
William Alexander's impact on the world of painting and art instruction cannot be overstated. He introduced countless people to the joys of painting and helped popularize the wet-on-wet technique. His influence can be seen in the work of other artists, including Bob Ross, who learned the wet-on-wet technique from Alexander and went on to become a beloved television personality in his own right. Today, Alexander's paintings can be found in galleries and private collections around the world, a testament to his enduring legacy as an artist, instructor, and television host.
Alexander is best known for The Magic of Oil Painting (1974-1982), but he also teamed up with other artists on PBS series' that ran from 1984-1992, including The Art of Bill Alexander and Robert Warren. Alexander also teamed up with painters Sharon Perkins and Diane André. Alexander and the second artist would alternate episodes, with both painters using the wet-on-wet method.
Mark Terrell is a certified William Alexander instructor, continuing the legacy of teaching the wet-on-wet method to new generations of artists.
Bill Alexander Wet On Wet Teacher
