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Carole Mikita ReportingA Wyoming artist is creating what he considers his 'magnum opus', his last great work.
Bill Hill has made an interesting journey with his art. Now, in his 80s, he feels he would like to leave one final painting as inspiration.
Clair Bosen: "He has a very very unique way of painting, particularly with the light in the colors."
Bill hill's paintings are now religious in nature, but they weren't always. He spent decades painting and sculpting the American west.
Bill Hill: "Painting is a form of communication. If you communicate something that isn't part of you, isn't in you, then it's phony."
Growing up in Star Valley, hill created works about what he knew best, the land and his faith. But in 1987, he decided to concentrate only on religious themes and to remove himself from the marketing of them.
Bill Hill: "From then on, I never painted to sell. I painted to serve because I figured my artwork was worth more than money."
Rancher and art dealer Clair Bosan represents Hill.
Clair Bosen: "I bought 51% of his company, and he has an income monthly, so he can do what he needs to do and we market his art."
Now 83, Hill admits his health is waning. He hopes to finish his life's work with a final painting.
Bill Hill: "It's a picture of the Savior being nailed to the cross laying on the ground. And he is lifting his head up and turned it sideways, and is looking directly into the eye of the viewer."
Hill says his life has revolved around capturing this moment in art. He hopes many will connect with his message.
Bill Hill: "This painting is important to put before mankind before I leave"
Mr. Hill is still painting the work. He plans to donate it to his church, he is a Latter-day Saint.
