bill shain art

Welcome to my Website. I'm Bill Shain, an airbrush artist creating a variety of
works in my home studio located in Pine Island, Minnesota. My works are mainly
acrylic, or water-based paints on paper, canvas and hardboard. I have several
airbrushes of different brands, but the Iwata HP-CS airbrush is my reliable tool of
choice, being very versatile, and dependable. I also use Badger, and Paashe
equipment. In addition to airbrushing, I also use artist's brushes, pens, charcoal,
pastels, rollers and other tools.

I've been a professional automotive painter since graduating from Dunwoody
Technical Institute (Minneapolis) in 1981. Most of my career, I've worked in
collision repair shops as a production painter, and also doing custom paint jobs.

In 2008 at age 47, I decided to begin pursuing my art interests, to see whether I
could find any success at it. I may never become famous, but hopefully I'll gain
some recognition as an artist, and maybe even sell a few pieces.

I'm a self-taught artist, and have never had any formal art instruction. Growing up,
I had always been naturally artistic with an active imagination. Over the years, I've
studied the techniques and styles of many artists, including renaissance artists.
It's a fact that every famous artist in history has learned from previous artists in
some respect. Spending a fortune on an art education will not guarantee you
success or recognition as an artist. An art degree is not a substitute for working
hard at developing your own natural skills. But, if you have the opportunity- or can
afford the high price of art school, it's definitely worth considering.

I've learned that recognition and success comes only through hard work and
determination. An emerging artist must be willing to promote oneself, connect with
the right people, and follow up on leads and opportunities to display and market
their art. Nobody will come knocking on your door.

Many modern art galleries exhibit abstract art that is just plain absurd, which only
confuses and alienates people, causing them to question the true definition of art.
It's true that art has no boundaries or rules, but that does not give any artist the
right to insult or offend the public with uninspired garbage.

Art should demonstrate new ideas, concepts, or perspectives.
Art should inspire people. Art should inspire conversation.
Art should come from the soul, and not be compromised.
Art should be thought-provoking and timeless.

My artistic inspiration comes from surrealist artists like H.R. Giger, Picasso, and
Salvador Dali. Also, the type of music that I listen to while painting affects the
mood of the art. Groups like Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Tool, Beck, Radiohead,
Kraftwerk and Pink Floyd all have an effect on composition.

Please browse through my online gallery at your convenience, email me directly if
you have any questions, and/or make arrangements for purchase. I update this
site every few days, so keep checking out my new stuff. Enjoy viewing my site,
and please pass it on to others. Click on any image for an enlarged view.
Thanks for looking!