Bill Cooke
Bowral, NSW - Australia
Bill Cooke - Fine Artist
Member Since: 11/08/2011
Born 06/05/53 in the USA, Ralph William (Bill) Cooke was raised in the artists
community of Carmel California. A gifted illustrator, primarily in pen and ink since 1970, Bill was recognized for his artistic talents and winning art competitions since he was in his teens. In 1973, he met studied with with National Acadamician Donald
Teague, until Dons death in 1991. Don sponsored Bill to go to the “Illustrators Workshop” in Paris, France to study under the greatest living illustrators of the time, such as Bernie Fuchs, Mark English, Bob Peak, and others of note. Bill became acquaintances, friends and the student of other famous illustrators and artists, such as Al Parker, George DeGroat, Salvador Dali and noted photographers Ansel Adams, Al Weber, Brett and Cole Weston. In his twenties he produced a series of limited
edition prints, which achieved critical acclaim and had several one man shows in Monterey California. He illustrated a children’s book on Sea Otters. He turned his artistic endeavors to being an (award winning) art director in the early 70’s, and continued to draw and teach drawing in Carmel, California.
R.W. Cooke’s art has been shown in several galleries and one man exhibitions in Carmel, New York and San Francisco. His original art is in many fine collections
(including the Ansel Adams permanent archives and in the collection of His Holiness The Dalai Llama) He has also won numerous regional art prizes in Monterey and NSW. Bill taught college level graphic design and colour theory at The University of Monterey Bay until 1996. He was listed in Who’s Who in America in the 1980’s.
Bill moved permanently to Australia in 1998, and became an Australian citizen 2004, moving to Bowral in 2006. A member of the Bowral District Art Society since 2006, Bill has ben hung in all of the art shows for the last three years. Mr Cooke won a commendation for his large pen and ink of a 40’ Norwegian double ended sailing boat “Holy Cow” along with the peoples choice award in the BDAS Copes show in 2006. In addition, Mr Cooke won highly recommended awards in the 29th annual Kiama Art Society. He was awarded second place in the National Jasco - Windsor Newton art competition for guache paintings. In 2008 he won the portrait award at the Shoalhaven 49th annual art show, with over two hundred entries. He also won honors at the Telstra Bush Show in 2008. He won a finals honor in the Australian Artist magazine competition for landscapes also in 2008. His work has sold in local and regional shows such as the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. He has won several peoples choice awards in various shows, and most recently was a finalist in the Golburn Regional Art Gallery National competition.
His design, photography, and art work can be seen at www.olderandwiser.com.au., and his current work is available exclusively through the artist, gallery representation is currently being sought. Phone 02 48625698.
