Looking at Paintings

“Impressionists are concerned with light, color, atmosphere, vibration, emotions, motion, moment and light.”

William H. Welch

Artist William Welch received his art education at Ohio University with further study at the Philadelphia College of Art.

He occasionally referred to himself stylistically as an “academic impressionist”, drawing on his training in realism and expressiveness for “plein air” painting outdoors with a keen sense of light and color.

Using the same six-color palette favored by impressionist master Claude Monet, Bill’s work is infused with the joyful spirit of Nineteenth Century romance with a decidedly contemporary feeling.

He spent much of the last three decades of his life following in the steps of the impressionists, taking the painter’s path through Europe.  He conducted painting tours each year with other artists in places of artistic interest, where he found inspiration in front of nature’s beauty.  Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and Mexico were some of his favorite destinations.

Bill was a member of several prominent societies including The Philadelphia Watercolor Society (Signature Member), Plein Air Painters of America, and the Artists Association of Nantucket which, in his honor, has created the William H. Welch Award given annually.

The numerous accomplishments he achieved during his long career include his participation in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State, for which he was recognized by former President Clinton and Secretary Christopher, inclusion of his work in “The Best of Oil Painting” published by Rockport Publishers (1996), and his receipt of many painting competition awards including “Best in Show” in Normandy, France – the birthplace and home of many of the impressionists.

Bill was recently awarded the Medal of Honor of the City of Arles, France posthumously.

Click here to browse Bill’s Paintings.