William Alther was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1959. Art has always played a significant role in his life. From an early age he had an interest in drawing, particularly animals. A degree in wildlife biology from Texas A&M University eventually led to a zoology position at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Throughout, he was an active artist and in 2004 he began painting full-time. The natural world continues to be his chief inspiration, with landscapes and wildlife being his principal subjects. "I like the idea of being open to a variety of subject matter and I've dabbled in other genres such as still life and figure. But, obviously, animals and landscapes command my attention time and again. In any case, I try to be very conscious of the elements common to any good painting such as structure and paint quality". He is devoted to the lifelong process of learning, evolving, and maturing as an artist. To that end, his continuing development includes workshops and studies with artists such as T. Allen Lawson and Kevin Weckbach. In particular, friend and mentor Mark Daily is a great influence and has inspired high standards. William is a member of Oil Painters of America and the Society of Animal Artists. His work is regularly juried into their annual exhibitions as well as other significant national shows.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition, 2006, 2009, 2010

Oil Painters of America Central/Western Regional Exhibition, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009

Salon International, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art, San Antonio, TX

Art for the Sangres, 2008, 2009, Westcliffe, CO

Art and the Animal, Society of Animal Artists Annual Exhibition, 2007, 2008, 2009

Birds in Art, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI

American Birds: A Flight Through Time, 2005, The Wildlife Experience, Parker, CO

Arts for the Parks (Top 100 2003, 2005; Miniatures 2002, 2004), National Park Academy of the Arts, Jackson, WY

Colorado Art Open, 2005, Foothills Art Center, Golden, CO

IV Centuries of Birds in Paintings, Sculpture & Fine Prints, 2003, Clarke Galleries, Stowe, VT

MEMBERSHIPS

Oil Painters of America

Society of Animal Artists

COLLECTIONS