About William W. Campbell

William W. Campbell is a neurologist, writer, artist and philanthropist. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel and recipient of the Legion of Merit. He lives with his wife and dogs in the woods near a lake in Virginia. His creative writing career began with short stories about memorable patients encountered over nearly fifty years of practice.

One of these won first place in the 2022 F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival Adult Short Story Contest. Other award-winning stories and essays have appeared in The Sherwood Forest Art and Literary Review, As You Were: The Military Review, Ink In Thirds, Five Minutes and the Glint Literary Journal. In 2024, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy from Brightpoint Community College. He is a signature member of the Virginia, Baltimore and Louisiana Watercolor Societies.

Artist’s Note

Watercolor is a paradoxical medium. It demands discipline yet rewards risk. I’m drawn to fast and loose watercolors, more jazz than classical, although I think you can do anything with the medium. At one point I painted a series of watercolor portraits using only a palette knife just to prove the point.

I’m especially drawn to painting Native Americans, partly because of the pageantry and regalia, but also because I want to honor their culture and the contributions they have made to this country. Most people don’t realize that, per capita, Native Americans have served in the U.S. military more than any other ethnic group. Many incorporate elements of the American flag into their regalia. They are a deeply patriotic people, despite all. Many times, I have joined the parade of veterans invited to circle the arena at the beginning of a powwow.

See selected paintings @williamcampbell8695 on Instagram.

For a more detailed description of my artistic journey see this Spotlight piece written by the Louisiana Watercolor Society on my election to signature membership.