William Rose is a self-taught figurative and portrait artist based in Kansas City, Missouri, whose compelling oil paintings and charcoal drawings have generated national acclaim. His journey into the art world is as inspiring as his work; he began painting at the age of 45, discovering a natural talent that quickly evolved into a full-time career.
Before picking up a paintbrush, William (Bill) Rose worked in the corporate world at the H&R Block Headquarters in Kansas City. His shift into the art world began organically. While attending his children's sporting events, Bill started sketching them in action. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a deep passion for drawing and painting, prompting him to explore the craft more seriously.
Bill enrolled in life drawing classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and further honed his skills through extensive self-study. Immersing himself in art instruction books, magazines, and museum visits, Bill committed himself fully to mastering his newfound calling. That dedication soon led to a steady stream of commissions and exhibitions, marking the start of a remarkable art career.
Bill's portfolio is expansive, encompassing sports art, celebrity portraits, large scale murals, and film-related artwork. One of his most substantial bodies of work includes a major series for Texas A&M University. He created seventeen original oil paintings for Kyle Field, the university's legendary football stadium, celebrating the rich tradition of Aggie athletics, through iconic moments like the Bo Jackson tackle.
Additionally, Bill was hired by Texas A&M University to create the prestigious commission to paint President George H.W. Bush for the Bush School of Government & Public Service, an honor reflecting both his technical skill and narrative depth.
The Kansas City Royals hired Bill to create the "Forever Royal" mural at Kauffman stadium celebrating their 2015 World Series Championship. Shortly after, Bill was hired by the Kansas City Royals again to create their 50th Anniversary Mural. Both murals are on permanent display at Kauffman stadium.
In addition to the Kansas City Royals murals, Bill created a mural following the University of Kansas Jayhawks NCAA National Championship win in 2022. The mural currently resides at Allen Fieldhouse. Below, Bill Self poses with the mural.
Other murals include interpretations of the Kansas City Chiefs multiple Super Bowl wins as well as depictions of famous players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes in this current available limited edition, signed print series titled, The Dynamic Duo.
Among his most unique projects, Bill was the featured artist for the 2012 Hollywood film The Forger, starring Lauren Bacall, Alfred Molina, Josh Hutcherson, Hayden Panettiere, Dina Eastwood, and Scott Eastwood. The movie is about a teenage art prodigy who gets involved in an international art forgery ring in Carmel, CA. Every painting that appears in the film as the work of the kid prodigy was produced by Bill Rose.
In addition to his oil paintings, Bill is known for his striking charcoal portraits, which have also recieved national recognition. His charcoal drawings have been featured on the cover of Strathmore's 400 Series drawing pads, a testament to his technical precision and expressive draftsmanship. Artists across the country who purchase these drawing pads have encountered his dynamic work firsthand, reinforcing his influence in both fine art and art education.
Bill's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion. From corporate life to painting for Hollywood, from sketching at his kid's games to his paintings appearing in stadiums across the country, his journey continues to inspire dreamers everywhere.
Don't forget to follow your dreams and live inspired. -HC