At this time Bill was asked to join the Ashington Art Group perhaps better known as The Pitman Painters but then as now he prefers to find his own way. This decision to go it alone meant learning the hard way! One major disadvantage may have been slower development in ideas and techniques. However, unlike many contemporary followers he still can see when the 'Emperor is without clothes'.
In 2000 he fulfilled his ambition and became a professional artist and has since then exhibited work throughout the region. His work is now in homes across England and a small number in America, Australia, Germany, Ireland and Holland as well as private collections. Local Hospitals, civic bodies and museums have started to buy his work. The House of Lords have purchased two paintings to add to their collection. It has been his work depicting miners that have proved most popular and he is one of a decreasing band of mining artists that still draws on inspiration from his time down the mines.
Bills work is an eclectic mix of subjects and media. Several of his modern minimalist paintings of Northumbria have been obtained by a successful interior designer to complement the restoration of properties. His one-man exhibitions include: -
The Botanic Gardens, Durham
National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield
Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Tallantyre of Morpeth
Customs House South Shields
Grey College, Durham University
The Wallington Gallery of Corbridge.
Visit the Bill Hindmarsh website via this link http://www.williambhindmarsh.co.uk/