Artist Profile - Bill McCoy

This is not Bill McCoy.

This is Sam ... Bill's owner and muse.

This is Bill McCoy.

Trying to get Bill McCoy to talk about himself (on the record) is a task. It's not because he's shy, and I'm sure it's not because there aren't lots of good stories -- I've heard some of them. But, for the purposes of this Artist Profile, he preferred to talk about his three favorite topics: The Artists' Guild of Brevard, Artworks, and The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery.

I prevailed, however, and gleaned a few tidbits about the life he has created around art. For years, Bill successfully made his living through commercial art, working for others and then for himself in the graphic arts business in New England. Since retiring to Florida, he has traded in the long hours in the commercial art business for a life devoted to oil painting and his love of fine art. One of his favorite activities is plein air painting.

Another favorite activity is learning. He attends workshops when they arise and thoroughly enjoys sharing information with colleagues. That's where the Artists' Guild of Brevard comes in.

The Artists' Guild of Brevard (909 East New Haven Avenue, Historic Downtown Melbourne; third floor loft. Guests are always welcome.)

Bill is an award-winning oil painter. There is much to be said about his devotion to his art and the time he spends trying to create opportunities for others to improve their art as well. He is an advocate for The Artists' Guild of Brevard and as such has been the president of the guild for two terms.

When asked why he is such a firm supporter of the guild, he said, "The Artists' Guild is such a vital resource to the arts community and it has given many of the best artists their start. When I first walked in the door, I felt like I'd come home. It gave me an intro to what was happening in Brevard."


It also provides camaraderie and a place to meet and then learn from other artists. The guild's main mission is education. To that end, the guild provides workshops with well-known artists, such as Fritz Van Eeden, Jon Houghton, Rosanne Samuelson, etc. And, they are the only place in town offering live models on a regular basis (see the schedule at the end of this article). And, the beauty of it is that life drawing is open to members and to non-members.

In addition to offering workshops, the guild also offers space to artists to conduct workshops for a 30% commission or just space for artists to work on their art. Bill is a prime example of that. He painted there for 5 years before he moved into his own studio on the 2nd floor.

Those interested in the guild are welcome to drop by.

Bill belongs to a core group within the guild who go out on plein air painting excursions weekly. Not all artists like to paint outside. Bill loves it. He said that the great thing about plein air painting is that when you bring the outdoor experience inside with reference materials, you remember the outside. You've seen the foreground, middle ground and distance in person. He feels it has made him a better painter. "It helps to authenticate my paintings."

ArtWorks (November 22 and 23 on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Art District on and around Highland Avenue)

Bill's current oil paintings will be on display at the ArtWorks festival on November 22 and 23. His booth is always in front of the Renee Foosaner Eduction Center, so be sure to stop by to see him, to watch him work, and to talk to him about his paintings. He has been involved in ArtWorks since the early days of the outdoor festival when there were only a handful of artists displaying their works and demonstrating their crafts.

The beauty of ArtWorks is that it is not just an outdoor art show. It is also a place for the public to learn from the artists. To be in the show, artists must agree to demonstrate their form of art for the public. So, painters paint throughout the show, potters work with their clay, basket makers show how they make their beautiful creations. Probably due to this aspect of the show it caught on and is a favorite of the area.

This year there will be over 100 artists in the show. In addition there will be music and performances in the shell, food vendors to keep everyone happy, and special activities for children.

Bill has participated in the show for years and as a plein air painter, his enthusiasm for ArtWorks is only natural. To have an audience is just another plus to the experience. Bill especially likes ArtWorks and is proud to be in it because "...it has come to be known as a show where you can view the best artwork in the local community and get to know the artists." He said that another plus is that the artists are treated well. On Friday night when they are setting up, they have a champagne and hot dog dinner, and on Sunday during the award ceremony, they are treated to brunch. Bill said that he's heard many artists say that it's the best show they've participated in.

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery (14xx Highland Avenue, Melbourne Florida)

A little over a year ago, Bill joined the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. It takes time to be a member of a gallery, but Bill feels it is well worth the time. In fact he said that it's an honor to be a member of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery as it is a member-run gallery with excellent space to hang paintings. In addition to his works that hang there on a regular basis, he also paints special pieces to support the charitable exhibits they have yearly. Most recently, his works were seen in the "Give Them the Farm" exhibit, and he will have paintings in the exhibit in February called "Hopes and Dreams." Be sure to stop by the gallery to see his paintings. It'll be worth the trip.

In addition, Bill McCoy has been active within the Strawbridge Art League for years. He was the president of that organization and served on the board of directors for quite a while.

Beyond all that, his paintings are beautiful. I've been a fan of Bill's work for years. I think you will become one, too.

Contact Information: If you'd like to contact Bill, email him at mccpaint@earthlink.net or call him at (321) 724-1208. His studio is at 909 East New Haven Avenue, Historic Downtown Melbourne, Florida; Suite 206. He says that drop ins are always welcome. To see more of his work, visit the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at _ or you can see some of his paintings online at the gallery website at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/.

The Artist's Guild of Brevard
Schedule for weekly Open Studio Drawing Sessions

The Artists' Guild of Brevard invites artists to attend their weekly Open Studio drawing sessions. Work in the medium of your choice.

Thursdays: Life Study, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The session begins with one minute gesture poses and progresses to two 20-minute poses. Fees: Guests = $10.00; members = $6.00; students free.

Saturdays: Portrait/Figure, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The model is usually seated for one pose. Fees: Guests = $8.00; Members = $6.00; students free.

The Artist's Guild of Brevard is located on the third floor at 909 East New Haven Avenue (The Arcade Building) in Historic Downtown Melbourne. No RSVP is necessary -- just show up.