Although William Ahrendt paints the American West, he might have more in common with Rembrandt and Rubens than with any of the twentieth century artists who paint the genre of the American west. Known as a historical narrative artist, Ahrendt paints the American western experience in the narrative form employed by the great painters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. "Episodes in the history of the Sioux people equal the appeal and expressive content found in the allegorical and mythological tales of the old masters," says Ahrendt.

After eleven years of studying in Europe, Ahrendt returned to the United States and became a professor and chair of the art department at Glendale Community College in Arizona. For eight years, he contributed paintings, drawings, and short stories to Arizona Highways Magazine.

In 1979, Ahrendt left his teaching position and took up his passion for painting full-time. He particularly enjoys the process of working by commission, just the way the Old Masters did. William Ahrendt's work can be found in museums and is collected by many patrons throughout the world.