William Rodgers

Teaches at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art

Like so many in this age of information and stimulation, William Rodgers’ path to a fulfillment in art took a circuitous route. Despite a deep interest in art and museums from an early age, he found himself pursuing a business degree at the University level. At the same time he was painting for himself and as a way to afford gifts for family and friends. Once I began painting in the college arena everything changed. I realized I had a strong voice in the realm of art as well as a spirited competitive urge. Rodgers’ degree aspirations changed which resulted in degrees in Art and Art History, a Masters Degree from the New York Academy of Art and six years post-graduate study in some of the world’s top studios. The seminal change for me occurred while studying abstract modernism while at the university level. I enrolled in a program to study in Florence and Rome. Upon seeing the work of Michelangelo and Raphael, I knew that my work must take the path to strive for an ideal of beauty derived from nature; a humble re-creation of Creation. For me the poets can say it much more concisely than I. In the words of Keats, Truth is beauty, beauty is truth…. and that is all you need to know. Although Mr. Rodgers’ training led him to the great urban centers of Europe and America his desire has always been to live amongst sublime natural beauty. The beauty and power of Maui make it an irresistible location for me to paint. William Rodgers’ home is Maui. This is where he creates his art. This is also where he, along with his lovely wife Shari, is raising his three children; Will, Meredith, and Luke.? I feel blessed to be able to have my family in such a wonderful place which is also one of the true focal points of inspiration for artists of today. William has recently opened, The Pacific Atelier of SALON des arts in Makawao, Hawaii. This is a traditional atelier in which the students study under and along side William to learn the fundamentals of drawing, painting and sculpture. This is a unique art experience for the island of Maui.