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Story #1: W. Alexander Inspiration by Nic Hankins My name is Nicholas Hankins (I go by "Nic") and I'd like to take a moment to thank you for the lovely website you have created to honor the memory of Bill Alexander; it's fantastic! I'd also like to share some of my thoughts and feelings regarding Bill Alexander with you as you request. I admire his talents, philosophy and determination so much. I've been fascinated with painting (and painting myself) thanks to Bill Alexander and Bob Ross for 29 years now. It's because of these two men and their passion for sharing the joy and magic of oil painting that I now have the privilege and pleasure of sharing their methods with anyone who cares to learn and earn a living while doing so. I'm forever grateful to both of these men (and many other painters who have followed in their spirit) for inviting all of us along to experience the pleasure of creativity and introducing so many to an outlet that enriches and, more often than not, changes lives for the better. Whether they realized it at the time or not, they have truly had a hand in making the world a better place. Currently, I work as the manager of Bob's Art Workshop and Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and teach many classes in this way. Bill is a frequent topic of conversation among students and visitors and we sometimes have one of Bill's paintings out on display along with Bob's for guests to enjoy. Upon reading your article, "William 'Bill' Alexander, The Man Few Knew", I knew I needed to take the time to thank you for sharing so many small details regarding your time spent with Bill. Little anecdotes like the Bee Gees song you chose on the jukebox I find so special and interesting. I suppose that really connected with me as my "painting studio" was my parents' basement when I was young and I listened to their LPs on my Dad's stereo. I can clearly recall painting and following along with Bill's "Magic" books while listening to that very song. What a wonderful flood of memories that stirred! I'm reminded as well of an assignment my class received in the sixth grade, which would have been 1994 for me. Our teacher asked us to list five people other than our parents, living or dead, who had influenced us the most as individuals and who we would like to have had as advisors as we moved into adulthood. I listed my two grandfathers as numbers one and two, both of whom had passed away before I was born but whose wisdom was passed on to me many times over by my mother and father. Numbers three and four on my list were Bob Ross and Bill Alexander. We presented our choices to the class after we compiled our lists and elaborated on those choices and answered questions from our teacher and classmates. When asked about my third and fourth choices, I remember saying of both, "They changed my life completely and for the better." I think of that class exercise often and it was the first thing that popped into my mind as I noted your request for stories and thoughts regarding Bill. I hope that you'll find some measure of gratification in this missive and I hope, somehow, that Bill and Bob are aware of it. Again, thank you for the time and effort involved in building this website and allowing us all to enjoy a happy, convivial experience celebrating the life of Bill! Best regards, ~Nic -- Nicholas Hankins http://www.bobrossartworkshop.com/