At the age of fifteen Bill won a scholarship to Saint Martins College of Art, London. The three year course was intended to catch pupils at a young age and enable them to capture a spontaneous, naïve approach to art. The idea was to create an artist with the ability to be free minded and insightful before it was lost through age.

After completing his course at Saint Martins he enrolled for two years national service. This was followed by a two year return to Saint Martins “sitting in” on lectures while working part time. He eventually became a freelance visualizer, working for a number of advertising agencies, studios and mail order companies. In 1969 Bill moved to oil paintings and working with stained glass.

Bill has many set views on art; he is forever exploring its boundaries and beyond. He does not own any of his paintings but paints for the enjoyment of other people rather than the aim of making a profit. He believes that if you paint for commercial reasons it would lack the honesty and genuine feeling that is captured in his paintings.

In his own words “philosophy satisfies the mind, whereas painting satisfies the emotions. Painting is not about being logical it is done emotionally.” His work evolves rather than being contrived and it is that involved depth which makes it so intriguing.

Bill’s original work is now in strong demand and has been published for prints and limited editions by one of the countries leading publishing companies.

The Colomb Art Gallery is proud to exhibit work from the British artist Bill Tolley.
View all art by Bill Tolley