Billy Solitario, born in Manhattan Beach, California, later moved with his family to the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1994, Billy graduated from the University of Florida with a B.F.A. in painting. After Graduation he moved to New Orleans. While attending the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art, Billy worked as a graphic artist with a small advertising agency. In 1997 he received his Gwendolyn Ozol’s Scholarship Award and studied painting full time. In 2003, Billy received a M.F.A. in painting from Tulane University.

Artist’s Statement ”Like most kids growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the natural world around me inspired me. My imagination was free to explore the woods near my home and the Gulf Islands just a few miles away. I found the love of nature on Horn Island, it’s an amazing natural sanctuary.”