Paintings

William Gilkerson’s paintings encompass a wide range of maritime subjects, reflecting his lifelong study of the sea and those who navigate it. His works depict historic ships, naval battles, whaling voyages, and the daily lives of sailors aboard West Coast and transatlantic vessels. He also explored iconic figures and events in naval history, including John Paul Jones, the USS Constitution, the Vikings, and pirates such as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd and Sir Francis Drake. As a pirate historian, he studied the full spectrum of pirates and privateers, using that research to inform and inspire his art.

Across mainly watercolours, pen-and-ink studies, illustrations and oil paintings, Gilkerson’s work emphasizes historical accuracy and careful observation. Each painting serves as both a record of maritime life and a visualization of the stories, voyages, and traditions that shaped centuries of seafaring.