Anyone viewing a William Colville painting will discern a certain magic that he has with a brush. As a young man Bill delivered groceries to the large estates in Montecito, California and would admire the lush gardens and landscapes. He decided to paint what he saw and enrolled in art classes for young people on Saturday mornings. As Bill grew older he took adult education classes from Rilla Underwood and Jim Armstrong , both of whom still teach Santa Barbara Adult Education . Bill continued to attend workshops to perfect his style. Bill traveled to France with Barbara Reeves International Adventures several times and performed his magic with the French countryside. Bill loved to travel to France with us. He was such a joy to have on a trip. Those who were lucky enough to be on the bus ride from the Loire Valley to Paris will never forget his hilarious "guide monalogue."

Bill's prolific work from shows and commissions transforms landscapes and architecture into magical settings. His watercolors are filled with his trademark generous use of color and ingenious eye catching areas of light. His ability to highlight the intricate details of roofs, windows, gates, flowers and lush vegetation captures the allure of each subject. It has become a status symbol for Santa Barbarans to have their homes depicted by Bill. John Travolta, Kenny Loggins and other celebraties have William Colville paintings of their homes. With a practiced eye he was able to seize the exact perspective the client desired of the home or garden he is portraying. "I enjoy finding the special viewpoint that envisions the warmth, quality and spirit that my clients see in their hearts when they ask me to paint their homes," he explained. "Sometimes it is a whole vista and other times it can be displayed by painting an archway or garden path and showing only a special portion of the house." He was able to work from photos or en plein aire, traveling to the site or working in his studio with subjects from all over the world.

A recipient of numerous awards, Mr Colville was honored by Artists Society International. His work is exhibited in selected galleries as well as in corporate offices.

Gallery:   Click images to enlarge.