William Whitaker is an American painter who grew up in an artist's studio. He was painting in watercolors and oils from a young age. While he was initially drawn to realism, he explored other styles in college before returning to traditional painting. Whitaker loves to paint from life in his studio, finding inspiration in the model bathed in northern light. He sees painting as a spiritual practice and takes comfort in capturing what the camera cannot. Whitaker has been a professional artist since 1965.