Bill Peel’s father was a commercial photographer in the 1920s and 1930s. He had studied art at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. As a result, art was an interest within the family. Bill took art classes in high school, as did his brothers. However, he left the study of art behind and pursued another career.

     About twenty-five years ago, Bill took up watercolor painting as a relaxation activity, and continues to this day. He studied under Stan Davis and Gerald Hanna for several years in Los Angeles. He thoroughly enjoyed painting in Yosemite National Park with watercolorist “Lady” Jill Mueller. His favorite subject matter was the mountainous alpine area of the Sierra Navada and Pacific Northwest.

     After his retirement in 1995, he moved to Rockbridge County, where there is a great abundance of history and beauty to paint. He enjoys painting old houses and barns, streams, and autumn colors.

His watercolors have been on display at the Rockbridge Regional Fair, where he received an Honorable Mention award, at Art on the Green in Lexington, and at the Allegheny Highlands Art Center. He has also participated in Art Guild shows at the Rockbridge Regional Library, Lexington City Hall, and at the State Capitol in Richmond.