William L. Hawkins was a self-taught artist who created an astonishing body of vibrant, colorful, and large-scale paintings late in life, executed in a highly personal style. Hawkins incorporated collage and assemblage of found objects to create work meant to both shock and delight viewers. His cityscapes often portrayed buildings in his beloved town of Columbus, Ohio. He also vividly portrayed historical events, religious subjects, and animals in his unique and joyous style.