William hails from the picturesque town, St. Niklaas, in Belgium.  He discovered his love for art at an early age and was proud to see an 18th century painting by an ancestor, J. Dobbelaere, displayed in the Cathedral in Brugge in Belgium.

William followed in his father’s footsteps and made a successful career in the diamond business.  It was later in life on a visit to South Africa that William vowed to return one day, to paint and capture the many magnificent faces of this sun filled land.Having retired from business in 1993, he returned to settle in South Africa.  William was influenced by his friend Anton Benson.  William is known as a palette knife painter capturing the unique beauty, colour and variety of landscapes.  His Flemish flair is reflected in the beauty of his skies and the wonderful depth of his scenes.