Bill Strain grew up in the small south Alabama town of Brewton and graduated from The University of Alabama in 1965 with a BS in Chemistry. He spent the next 40 years in the industrial chemical business. Upon his retirement, Strain was able to embark on a career as a professional artist. Knowing that it takes years of study and practice to become proficient in painting, he sought out workshops and class situations and has painted long hours in order to move toward his goal.

In the past Bill has studied with Carl Gilbert, Clyde Broadway and Ann Evert. However, since his retirement has studied with Stephanie Wheeler, Linda Rule, Cynthia Parsons, Nancy Bradford, Pat Odom, Rodger Dale Brown, OPA and continues to study three times a month with John Lonergan.

Strain attended the 15^th Annual Sarah Towery Art Colony at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin in October 2007 and his Painting; “Harvest Moon” was awarded best in show and selected for the permanent collection of the colony which is scheduled to begin touring Alabama schools in the near future.

His love of painting and art is evidenced in his work.