Artwork copyright William Winden. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Rhododendron, 1996

William Winden
American (born 1931, died 2009)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Artist William Winden's vivid painting Rhododendron captures the beauty of a common Northwest flower. This piece is part of a body of watercolors that explore the forms, colors and textures of nature. Winden noted that his creative process is influenced by music. He hoped his work "suggests elemental human qualities and emotions of the kind which might also be communicated through music and literature."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Kennewick School District.

About the Artist

Northwest artist William Winden (1931-2009) created expressive landscape paintings and prints. Winden grew up in Tacoma in Western Washington, swimming and boating on Puget Sound, and hiking in Washington state's woods and mountains, eventually climbing to the summit of Mount Rainier. He believed that “stories are told by music and art, often in a way of which words are incapable.” His artworks communicate the beauty, strength, and fragility of the natural world.