EAST MEETS WEST IN COLOR THAT SINGS
Bill Buchman is a popular and prolific artist whose expressive work draws on his extensive musical background. A deep familiarity with what is meant by a harmony, a melody, and a rhythm informs his every move with the brush. He is known for his abstractions, characterized as “symphonies of space, form and color” and his figures, described as “lightning bursts of energy condensed into a fine line”. His paintings and drawings offer a paradox: the works are bold and assertive yet their openness invites viewers to imagine their own stories.
Bill says, “Art has the power to transport us beyond our everyday experience. My painting language is built around the idea of communicating harmony, optimism, and joy to fashion an experience of visual surprise. My aim is to make paintings that are inspirational and therapeutic. My own inspiration comes from a fusion of the worlds of Zen painting, 20th century Modernism, and Jazz. The collision of these realms in my art leads to the discovery of new possibilities and unexpected revelations. With color, line, shape, and texture as the pure elements of my abstract and figurative vocabulary, I capture the rhythms and melodies of body and spirit.”
Bill studied painting and drawing with well-known teachers Victor D’Amico, at the Institute of Modern Art, East Hampton, NY and Fletcher Martin at the Albany Institute of Art, in Albany, NY. He attended Cornell University, School of Fine Arts, studying with abstract expressionist Robert Richenburg. A fine jazz pianist, Bill has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music as well. Before moving in 2001 to Sarasota, Florida, Bill worked and exhibited his paintings for twenty years in Europe primarily in Scandinavia. His works may be seen in private and public collections in the US, Denmark, Sweden, and England. Accomplished as an artist, educator, author, and musician, Bill, along with exhibiting his work and performing frequently, gives workshops and seminars on creativity, abstraction and figure drawing. His five DVD’s on these subjects and his innovative book, “Expressive Figure Drawing” (Random House 2010) are quite popular. With his unique musical “Zen” approach, Bill has been spreading delight and inspiring many people for many decades.
PBS WEDU FEATURE:
SELECTED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS
- Mac Art Gallery • Ft Lauderdale, FL 2021
- “The Independent Eye”• Art Ovation Hotel • Sarasota, FL 2019-2020
- Sarasota Visual Artists Studios (SVAS) Studio Tour • 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
- SVAS Exhibition • Art Center of Sarasota • 2019
- SVAS Exhibition • Arts Alliance of Sarasota • 2018
- SVAS Pop Up Gallery • Lakewood Ranch, FL 2017 • Sarasota, FL 2018
- Allyn Gallup Gallery • Sarasota, FL 2016, 2015
- Ringling College, Longboat Key Center for the Arts • Longboat Key, FL 2016, 2011
- The Studio at Gulf and Pine • Anna Maria, FL 2014
- World of Art Showcase • Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, NV 2012
- Gallerihuset • Copenhagen, Denmark 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993
- Longboat Key Club • Longboat Key, FL 2010
- Herning Kunstmesse • Denmark 2009
- State of the Arts Gallery • Sarasota, FL 2006, 2007, 2008
- Lauritzen/Rush Galleries • Marco Island, FL 2005
- Art Copenhagen • Denmark 2004, 2000
- Gallerie Des Artes • Sarasota, 2004, 2003, 2002
- At The Loft • Omaha, Nebraska 2003
- Longboat Key Art Center for the Arts • Longboat Key, Fl, 2003
- United States Embassy • Copenhagen 2000, 1998
- Galleri Aalborghallen • Aalborg, Denmark 1999
- Galleri Caramel • Helsingborg, Sweden 1999
- Louise Rimington Gallery • Faversham, United Kingdom 1997
- Roskilde Town Hall • Roskilde, Denmark 1999
- Kunstkorridoren Nådada • Copenhagen 1996
- Landskrona Konsthall • Landskrona, Sweden 1995
- Galleri Anesen • Hillerød, Denmark 1992
- Gammelgaard Kulturhus • Herlev, Denmark 1991
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Art Society • Kastrup, Denmark 1990
- Galleri Gaia • Copenhagen 1989, 1988, 1987
- Blomsten • Copenhagen 1988, 1987, 1986
- Mærsk Data • Copenhagen 1989
- Kreditforeningen Danmark • Copenhagen 1987
- Det Øst Asiatisk Kompagni • Copenhagen 1986
- Handel og Kontorforbund • Copenhagen 1986
- Danish Ministry of Energy• Copenhagen 1985
ZEN PAINTING EXHIBITION
PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS
HOW TO DO A BRUSH GESTURE
Selected Publications:
Art Books:
- Incantations 2019
- Satori 2015
- Expressive Figure Drawing (Watson-Guptill/Random House) December 2010
Art DVD’s:
- Zen Breakthrough: Contempory Experimental Art with Sumi Brushes, Reed Pens, and Mixed Media, 2011
- Zen Breakthrough: Figure Drawing Techniques, 2012
- Keeping the Melody: Making Contemporary Abstracts with Inspiring Materials and Techniques, 2012
- Creative Breakout: The Art of Freedom, 2009
- Art Is an Attitude: The Art of Drawing the Figure, 2008
Music CD’s:
- Art of Jazz
- Art of Blues w. Steve Arvey
- Out Of The Blue
- Birthday Party w. Sammy Rimington
- Sammy Rimington and Doc Houlind
Children’s Short Stories:
- Solomon’s Wish, 2002
- God Smiles, 2001
Poetry Book:
- Suite for Modern Man, 1988
Film Scores:
- Silence of Flight, 1998
- Transformations, 1986
LP:
- Easy Street, 1980
Posters:
- Faroe Islands Jazz Festival, 2000
- Galleri Aalborghallen, 1999
- Gallerihuset, 1997
- Landskrona Konsthall, 1995
- Gammelgaard Kulturhus, 1991