About the artist

Bill Dodds Original Pen & Ink Drawings and Prints for Purchase

Click a category to view and purchase drawings

Free shipping to the contiguous 48 states


Bill Dodds' Story

Bill Dodds

Inspired by the beauty of nature and the surrounding Amish culture, realism artist Bill Dodds creates dramatic scenes that will adorn every room setting. Through the style of Pointillism, Bill uses the pen point to create the detail and contrast of dark and light areas to visually excite but does not conflict with established room colors. 


Bill’s art took a dramatic change in the summer of 2015. The black and white ink drawings that he has created since 1968 began to show small areas of color accents. Watercolor or pastel is the medium used to create the visual accents that pulls the eye into the drawing. 


HOW I VIEW MY ART


Since 1968, my art has been strictly black India Ink on a white paper. It is common for artist to evaluate where they want to take their art, and my art experienced a dramatic change starting in 2015. The change began with “Wheelbarrow.” An old wooden wheelbarrow with the addition of an orange flowerpot. Just a slight accident of color. 


I still create drawings using only the black India Ink. But you have probably noticed an increase in the use of color complementing my drawings. Not just more drawings containing color accidents, but more color being applied in each drawing. I continue to describe my art as drawings because to me, the drawing is still the backbone of my art. The drawing begins with the India Ink. It is used to provide the detail and shadowing needed to create a strong visual image. The color comes after the India Ink drawing is completed. For me, my work is considered a drawing!

Pointillism

Pointillism

What is Pointillism?


Through the style of Pointillism, Bill uses the pen point to create the detail and contrast of dark and light areas to visually excite the viewer. The images are first sketched on 100 lb Bristol in a combination that provides a pleasing composition followed by several hours of applying India Ink to create the image. The process of applying one ink dot at a time to bring the image to life takes between 48 to 150 hours depending on the size and composition.   

A Passion for Art

Hand

Bill Dodds is an artist with art in galleries and sales throughout the U.S., and has received awards for his drawings. Bill was recognized locally when asked to create the postcard cancellation stamp for Paradise Pennsylvania’s 300 Anniversary. His black and white art was selected to be shown at a local theatre performance of Johnny Cash’s (the Man in Black) “Ring of Fire” presentation. Bill is a graduate of The Penn State University with a BS Degree and a MEd in Art Education, and is a member of the Lancaster County Art Association, Historic Yellow Springs and the York Art Association.  

  

Bill's art has been mentioned in an online issue of Chadds Ford Live. 

A passion for art

Bill received both a Bachelor and Master Degree in Art Education from The Pennsylvania State University. While working on his Master's program, he discovered the incredible beauty of Pointillism. That was it. No more painting, no more sculpture. Bill has used only the pen and ink as his creative tool since 1968. It should be noted that from April 1978 to July 2012 no art was created by Bill. The time restraints of work was the excuse. However, Bill continued to take photographs, some on black and white film (note that film was used during the 80‘s and 90‘s), during those years. Something inside him continued to say “some day you will start again.“ Many of the subject matter in those photographs are included in his current drawings. Upon retirement in 2012, his family encouraged him to start creating drawings again.

Bill’s art took a dramatic change in the summer of 2018. For the first time since 1969, the black and white ink drawings began to show small areas of color accents. Both watercolor and chalk pastel have been the medium used to create the visual accents. Bill is also a member of the Lancaster County Art Association.  

About Bill's Prints

Prints have a place on the wall of many homes. Maybe yours. Prints purchased from an artist is not the same as picking one up at a Walmart or evening a furniture store. Those print copies are one of several hundred copies of the same print. Prints purchased from the artist are usually a limited edition which are digitally reproduced at a graphic house. My limited edition prints are set at only ten.

Bill Dodds, artist

A tribute to Johnny Cash

I was honored when asked to exhibit my black and white India ink drawings at the Dutch Apple Theater during the April 2018 musical presentation honoring Jonny Cash the “Man in Black.” The month long performance of “Ring of Fire” was a tribute to the life of Johnny Cash. My India ink drawings were featured in the lobby for all to view.  "Abandoned" is a Best of Show award winner.

Bill Dodds, artist