Art Show Reception: Meet the Artist of "From the Inkwell"

Join us at Sebastopol Regional Library and meet the artist of From the Inkwell, Bill Shortridge, on display in the library forum room July 23, 2024 through September 7, 2024. Enjoy refreshments, conversation and art.

Bill Shortridge is an artist living in Sebastopol. He works in pen & ink, watercolor, oil paints, silverpoint and pencil. His drawing technique reflects a more realistic approach, while his oil paintings explore composition and texture creating a more abstract environment. This dichotomy provides a balance in his work; a spiritual shift that maintains a fresh point of view, re-invigorating inspiration.

Bill began his career in art in New York City as a graphic designer/art director in advertising. While still in advertising, he shifted to illustration for which he was hired at NBC-TV. That was the beginning of his Broadcast Design career, working on shows such as Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman and HBO’s Comedy Channel.

After moving to Los Angeles, he continued working in television and film where he helped pioneer the early days of desktop computer animation. After leaving the entertainment industry, Bill stopped making art for almost two decades. A few years ago, he picked up pen and brush again.

“When I paint in oils, it feels as if I’m painting from the inside out. As if my paintings are the warm embrace of some-sort-of plush internal organ. I don’t think too much about the process. Then I pick up a pen or pencil, it’s a more meditative process, requiring much more accuracy when rendering the subject before me. Every stroke in its place.”