The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission presents the William Houston painting exhibit at the Mountlake Terrace Library on March 1.

Houston was born in Montgomery, Ala.  However, being from a military family, he spent most of his childhood in Southwest Idaho.  His first interest in art was spawned by a most common motivation, sibling rivalry, after seeing his older sister win a junior high drawing contest.

Houston earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in painting and illustration from Boise State University.  He has worked as a caregiver and personal assistant for a Seattle family for the past 11 years, and because of their kindness and love, he is currently able to focus all of his time and energy into living an “Art life.”

“Whether I am painting a portrait, a cityscape or an abstract piece, the experience is the same,” Houston said. “Every empty canvas holds innumerable possibilities, and each mark I leave is the result of a negotiation with the infinite. Every stroke, whether made with surgical precision or with reckless abandon must make its case to be left where it is.”

Each painting is a constant balancing act between composition, and color. Every patch of color leads to the next and calls for an answer, which is either contrasting or harmonious, depending on the mood or situation.

The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission oversees the library exhibits as part of its mission to promote cultural events in the community.

The show runs through March 31 at the Mountlake Terrace Library, Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.