William Hawkins, raised on a Kentucky farm, developed his drawing skills from horse-auction ads and calendars. Moving to Columbus, Ohio, at twenty-one, he became known for cityscapes and animal paintings. His Ohio State University stadium piece, inspired by an aerial photo from a Columbus history book, exemplifies his use of photographic sources. Hawkins often featured Columbus's local structures in his art, using scavenged boards and repurposed wood for his early works. Despite his age, he retained a youthful enthusiasm, often signing his paintings with his birthdate, July 27, 1895, as a testament to his enduring spirit.