The Bill Alexander Story
Becoming a Happy Painter
German painter, art instructor, and television host of "The Magic of Oil Painting"
Meet Bill Alexander
German painter, art instructor, and television host of "The Magic of Oil Painting" on PBS. On his show, Bill Alexander introduced the world to the modern "quick" wet-on-wet oil painting technique – known today as the Alexander Method™.
Beyond his artistic mastery, Bill was driven by an unwavering belief that anyone could learn to paint, no matter their perceived limitations.
Bill Alexander on "The Magic of Oil Painting" on PBS
The incredible story behind the man who made oil painting easy
From an immigrant with a box of rusty nails sailing into Halifax harbor in 1952, to teaching millions of people how to paint through the magic of television, the story of Bill Alexander is far from ordinary.
Despite many setbacks, obstacles, and self-doubts – with a spirit of generosity and an infectious positivity, Bill dedicated himself to empowering others, sharing his knowledge freely and inspiring countless individuals to embrace their creative potential.
Chapter One: It Begins
As the guns of the First World War pounded the countryside, the Russian army advanced on a small village in East Prussia.
Chapter Three: A New Life
Many thoughts went through Bill’s mind as the tramp steamer pulled into Halifax Harbor
Chapter Five: Searching for Success
Bill was driving from Canada to Los Angeles. He had been on the road for hours when he saw the neon sign flashing “Vacancy”.
Chapter Seven: Hard Times
"Maybe one of the reasons that landscapes are so popular is because living in the country is the most natural thing."
Chapter Eight: A Way Out
"Bill was feeling more and more uncomfortable every year, but he felt trapped in the city. "
Chapter Nine: Travels in America
"America is such a big, big country. It’s absolutely great, and I am not sure that all Americans realize that.” — Bill Alexander
Chapter Ten: More Adventures in America
“The land just roars on and on for miles and miles and then, in an instant, there are herds of antelope and swatches of green, places of water and trees."
Chapter Twelve: Building an Art Colony
"This land is so wonderful, and there is so much land on which to be free. "
Chapter Fourteen: More Students Arrive
"Every night there was just a bit different, but every night there was always spirit, enthusiasm, and energy for art."
Chapter Fifteen: Moving On
Like geese that head south each year, Bill and Margarete returned to Los Angeles every Winter.
Chapter Sixteen: Television
"Although Bill didn’t realize it at the time, he was about to start down a path to unimaginable fame."
Chapter Eighteen: A Happy Time
One evening, about a month after that first taping Don phoned Bill.
Chapter Twenty: Alexanderland
People were always phoning or writing Don and Bill with requests for more specific instruction
Chapter Twenty One: Emmy
In 1979 Bill filmed his first series with Carrol Ellerbe. Bill was not only on television, one of the top professionals in the industry was his director. This was also the first series with which KOCE issued a companion guide. In it were pictures of all the paintings from the series with step-by-step instructions.
Chapter Twenty Two: The Mall
"In the Spring of 1982, he was in a small room in the Woodfield Shopping Center in Chicago waiting to do a demonstration. He was nervous, his hands were sweating, and he didn’t know what to expect."
Chapter Twenty Three: Conclusion
Bill realized that, at some point in his life, he became a teacher more than a painter. From that point on, it became important to him to share the techniques he learned throughout his career with others.
Make every day better through art.
Bill Alexander's life story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of sharing his passion for art with the world. His legacy continues to touch lives around the world, a testament to the transformative power of art and the unbreakable human spirit.
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Many people wonder if they have what it takes to become an artist. At Alexander Art, we believe anyone with a desire to learn to paint, can become the artist they’ve always wanted to be.
