Bill Porteous, MFA 

Born : Tarrytown New York 1946 

Education : MFA / BFA Otis Art Institute Painting, Lithography

Los Angeles, California, Associate of Arts, Fine Arts Major, El Camino College, Torrance, California. 

Porteous’s work has embraced abstraction as an overriding approach to art making. From his earliest figurative sculptures and paintings to his first abstract paintings in the mid 60’s his work has continued to explore the idea that painting is a philosophical ground of inquiry. In rejecting the deconstruction of painting as an easy way out, his practice took shape within the limitations inherent in painting on a defined surface and shape. Bill’s artworks are characterized by an engagement with abstraction as a transcendent, oblique and defining language. 

In 1975 Bill helped establish the Victoria College of Art. He has also held teaching positions at the University of Victoria, Camosun College, University of Saskatchewan at Emma Lake, David Thompson University Centre in Nelson BC, and the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts. In 1994 he established his Studio Art Program in Victoria, he currently hosts individual and group Art Classes online.