When Ty Wilson presented his older brother's drawing of a blue bird as his own in kindergarten, his teacher was so impressed she asked him to draw another while the class looked on. Armed with a blue Crayola, Wilson stared at a blank sheet of white paper for several long, silent minutes before vowing two things: he would never again lie, and he would learn to draw.

Fifteen years later, Wilson began his professional art career with Hallmark Greeting Cards. When Hallmark turned down his own design portfolio in 1984, Wilson framed the rejection letter and set his sights on New York. There, his elegant and stylish illustrations were an immediate success in the advertising and fashion worlds. His work was used by corporate giants such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Macy's and Bloomingdale s. He has also done posters for many Broadway shows, including the revival of "Hay Fever" and the musical "Staggerlee."

Wilson's illustrative artwork portrays and captures a by-gone era when romance and elegance reigned. His bold, minimal line drawings elicit feelings of fun, romance, rhythm and sophistication. His art is often made up of only black and white, with just a splash of color - red lips or a red rose. He aims to create a mood with as few lines as possible.

Wilson has been influenced by such great masters as Matisse, Picasso, Erté, Al Hirschfeld and Andy Warhol. His work is featured in two books: "Fashion Illustration" by Colin Barnes and "The Professional Guide to Marketing, Design and Illustration" by Mary Young.

BIRTHPLACE: Washington, DC EDUCATION: Maryland College of Art and Design EXHIBITIONS: Ginza Gallery, Tokyo, Japan