He spends many hours meticulously researching the details that go into his canvases making sure they are historically

correct. Since all the ships and most of the harbor scenes from the Civil War period no longer exist, it takes months

and even years of preparation before his subjects appear on canvas. He talks with prominent authors and historians,

visits nationally known museums and libraries, and gathers photographic and written reference material from a network

of Civil War naval experts throughout the United States. A detail on a recent painting shows how research can change a

finished work. McGrath states-

 

"The reference photos I used showed a small building in the background. Due to the lack of detail,

I made an educated guess that it was made of brick. Later microfilm research of an old newspaper stated

the building was made of gray limestone. Although most people would never have noticed the painting

was incorrect, I did, so I changed it."

 

It is this dedication to detail and accuracy that make his paintings special. Because of his uncompromising authenticity

and artistic skills, he was elected, by its members, to the prestigious Society of American Historical Artists (SAHA), an

organization dedicated to presenting historical truth through art.

 

With so many respected Civil War naval authors, historians, institutions, and museums appreciating and collecting his

work, it is certain that Bill McGrath will continue to portray our naval heritage with vivid color,unquestionable honesty,

and historical accuracy.

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HOME PAGE II NEW ADDITIONS II CITY SCENES II BATTLE SCENES II CW MODEL KITS

 

SHIPS OF WAR II GREAT LAKES ART II SCULPTURE II ORIGINAL ART GALLERY II LANDSCAPES II CW SHIP KITS

 

WILDLIFE ART II MAIL IN ORDER FORM II RELATED LINKS II ABOUT THE ARTIST II E-MAIL II WEAPONS OF WAR

 

 

 

WRM GRAPHICS - 13073 SE 97th Terrace Rd. - Summerfield, FL 34491 - (352) 245-2922

Bill McGrath was born and educated along the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland,Ohio,

where his love of art and history began. He graduated from Kent State University with

a Fine and Professional Arts degree and then joined the U.S. Coast Guard, graduating

from Officers Training School in Yorktown, Virginia in l969. After leaving the Coast

Guard, McGrath spent the next seventeen years as a free-lance commercial artist and

illustrator. Over 20 years ago, he began painting historical marine scenes from the

Great Lakes area. This initial work brought him induction into the nationally known

American Society of Marine Artisits (ASMA) as an artist member. For the last 15 years

he has concentrated his efforts on Civil War naval subjects. His work depicts cities,

harbor scenes, battles, and ships as no other artist has. McGrath explains-

 

"Both the Union and the Confederate navies had a tremendous impact on

strategy and outcome of land campaigns and engagements throughout the war.

My paintings show historical scenes that had major influences on the Civil War."

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The Artist & His Work

Alabama Department of Archives & History - Montgomery, AL

Civil War Library Museum - Philadelphia, PA

Coastal Heritage Society - Savannah, GA

C.S.S. Neuse State Historical Site - Kinston, NC

Ethyl Corporation - Richmond, VA

Museum of the Albemarle - Elizabeth City, NC

North Carolina Maritime Museum - Beaufort, NC

Onondaga Historical Society - Syracuse, NY

Pamplin Park - Petersburg, VA

Richmond National Battlefield Park - Richmond, VA

Confederate Naval Historical Society, Inc. - White Stone,VA

Confederate Naval Museum - Columbus, GA

Georgia Historical Society - Savannah, GA

David Taylor Research Center - Bethesda, MD

Great Lakes Historical Society - Vermilion, OH

Hampton Roads Naval Museum - Norfolk, VA

Museum of American History - Smithsonian Institution - Washington, DC

Museum of the Confederacy - Richmond, VA

Naval War College Museum - Newport, RI

Port-O-Plymouth Museum - Plymouth, NCThe Portsmouth Museums - Portsmouth, VA

U.S. Army Military History Institute - Carlisle, PA

The Valentine - Richmond, VA

Western Reserve Historical Society - Cleveland, OH

Virginia Canals and Navigations Society - McLean, VA

Vicksburg National Military Park - Vicksburg, MS

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His works can be found in the following Collections