I am a watercolor portrait artist and art teacher in Duluth and Northern Minnesota.
I was born, raised and still live in Duluth MN where I find much inspiration in the people and our landscape. My other inspiration is painting portraits of Blues Musicians.

As for art, I have two passions:  First, I love to draw and paint; second, I love to teach others to do the same.
I currently teach my own arranged classes, and at local art venues. I also teach online classes with Zoom. I taught most recently at the Spirit of the Lake Community Arts, in Duluth. I use to teach regularly at the Duluth Art Institute in Duluth before Covid.
I attend classes and workshops by local and national artists yearly. I, like all of you, are always researching, experimenting and self-educating myself on art and on the the skills of teaching.

I enjoy painting with other artists in Duluth and nearby Carlton MN. I am a Member of the Lake Superior Watercolor Society, Artists of Minnesota, Arrowhead Art Club, and smaller open painting groups with area artists. These groups provide me connections with many other talented and passionate painters.

Style and Voice

Over the years, I have found the greatest satisfaction drawing and painting portraits.
It’s a natural extension of my early years as a part-time wedding and graduation portrait photographer.
Today I rely on photographs as a source of inspiration for my works. Instead of the typical “look at me” photos, I’m intrigued by candid photos that show people in thoughtful poses, activities they enjoy, or musicians on stage.
If you look at my photo gallery, you will see what my current style or voice looks like today.

I love building up thin washes of color and playing with hard edges to create a fresh painterly look. I am inspired by the works of Ted Nuttall and many others.

I appreciate the importance of value in the composition and I am working to achieve deeper values without compromising freshness.  On my Info and Tips page I list many artists who I admire and find inspiration. You will see how their work has influenced and inspired me!
In addition to art, I have many other interests, maybe too many… Woodworking is one of them. I love my garage and making art gadgets and sawdust is a real pleasure for me. I created my Wise Easel, a portable Tabletop Easel that has become very popular with those who have seen and used it.

Bill Wise,  Husband, Artist, Teacher, and Handyman!

If you want to contact me or make a comment, please complete the form below.
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William Wise,  Duluth, MN