William
Acheff’s art passion was kindled while living in the San
Francisco Bay area when, at age 22, artist Roberto Lupetti invited
him to his
drawing class. After six months, Acheff moved into his own studio
while continuing visits to
Lupetti’s studio for criticism and words of wisdom.
Restless, Acheff ventured to Taos in 1973. Armed with classical training,
he developed a very distinct style that is widely recognized and admired.
He is
renowned for his highly realistic still lifes of rich Native American artifacts
of the past. The Pueblo Indians of Taos have provided him with inspiring
subjects to paint. “Artifacts and traditions of the past,” he explains, “seem
to hold more mystical and aesthetic value than those of contemporary times.”
Acheff has shown in major Western art shows: Western Heritage Sale, Artists
of America, National Academy of Western Art, The Hubbard Show, Prix de West,
Autry
Masters of the American West. He is a two time Prix de West Award winner
(1989, 2004) and received the Masters of America West Purchase Award in 1998.
