Artist Statement

My interest in drawing and painting began in the first grade, and my talent earned me a passport out of the classroom and into the halls to create murals for upcoming holidays and renderings of historical events. At home I would draw things with pencil, color-in with crayons, and paint by numbers.

Later my interest and enjoyment of art was joined by an interest in reading and writing, so when the time came to choose a major in college, I chose English Literature and continued my exploration of art on my own.

In the 1970’s I was married with children and committed to a full-time job and career. I painted when I could and participated in sidewalk art shows and juried exhibitions as well. The high point in those endeavors was having one of my paintings selected for a major award by the internationally famous artist Kenneth Noland and Robert Doty, Director of the Whitney Museum.
 

In 1980 I opened a gallery which grew into two galleries and an art publishing business. Over time I learned how to run a gallery, frame, hang shows, promote, advertise, buy, sell, patch and paint walls, and haul stuff from here to there mostly unharmed. As an artist I depended mostly on my galleries to show and sell my work, but I also participated in the New York and Los Angeles Art Expos.

Today, I am free to explore the world and create art on a full-time basis relying on professionally run galleries and my website to show and sell my work.

Enjoy the paintings and let me hear from you.

www.williamcruteart.com
billcrute@cox.net
Bill@williamcruteart.com