Walt Costilow spent his childhood in New Orleans, Louisiana where he graduated from high school in 1967. It was here that he began his interest in art and participated in numerous art events through high school. His early influences were Norman Rockwell, the Wyeths, and the Jackson Square artists. After graduation, Walt opted for a degree in Engineering. He became an aerospace engineer and military pilot. During his Air Force career, he continued his interest in watercolor art as a hobby. Walt continued to learn through trial and error, observing and studying other artists’ methods. He completed numerous aviation works while flying in the Air Force. After leaving the military, he returned to the Birmingham, Alabama area. It was here that he studied watercolor painting with a successful local artist.

Walt has won awards locally from the Watercolor Society of Alabama and regionally from the Southern Watercolor Society. He is a Signature Member of the Watercolor Society of Alabama. He is an Associate Member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, the Southern Watercolor Society, the Missouri Watercolor Society, and the Louisiana Watercolor Society.

He is currently an active international airline captain.