William Alther grew up in West Texas, where he developed an interest in both art and the natural world at an early age. 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 began painting full-time. He is endlessly fascinated by the landscape and the creatures that live there. "I do enjoy painting other things but animals and landscapes just seem to automatically dominate my attention. Perhaps the best part is the "research", gathering information and reference material. Some of my happiest moments have been in the field, whether wandering through a spectacular alpine setting or watching a family of otters playing at the edge of a pond. These experiences are the fuel for new painting ideas." He is devoted to the lifelong process of learning, evolving, and maturing as an artist. To that end, his continuing development has included 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 instilled 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

Western Visions, 2011, 2012, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY

Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, 2011, 2012, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ

Birds in Art, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI

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

Oil Painters of America Central/Western Regional Exhibition, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012

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

Art for the Sangres, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Westcliffe, CO

Art and the Animal, Society of Animal Artists Annual Exhibition, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

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

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

AWARDS

Southwest Art Award of Excellence, 2012 Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition, Denver, CO

President's Award of Excellence, 2010 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition, Scottsdale, AZ

MEMBERSHIPS

Oil Painters of America

Society of Animal Artists

COLLECTIONS