Introduction
In the world of fantasy art, Julie Bell stands as a luminary whose paintings have transported viewers
to
magical realms and captured the ethereal essence of imagination. Renowned not only for her captivating
fantasy works but also for her wildlife art, Julie Bell's journey through the realms of creativity and
personal growth has been as enchanting as the scenes she brings to life on canvas.
Early Life and Artistic Roots
Born on October 21, 1958, in Beaumont, Texas, she was the second child among four siblings born to
Sydney
and Milton Bell. Her artistic inclinations were nurtured from a young age by her parents, particularly
her
artistic mother, who had the knack for transforming school assignments and everyday tasks into
enchanting
moments for her children.
This serene childhood took a turn when Julie was 12, as her parents divorced. This event marked the
beginning of a period of constant change, initially with a move to Atlanta, Georgia with her mother
and
sisters. Thereafter, there were frequent moves to different high schools, where she adapted to new
surroundings while relentlessly pursuing her studies, eager to graduate and complete her education
even
foregoing her creative passions in order to do so. After graduation, aged 15 she was able to focus on
life-drawing lessons at Dekalb County Community College in Atlanta.
Over time, she honed her skills in various artistic disciplines, although she was still in search of
her own
distinctive voice in the art
realm.
Married life and Michigan
Her journey led her back to Beaumont, Texas, where Julie joined Lamar University to further her
artistic
studies under the tutelage of wildlife artist and professor of painting, Jerry Newman.
It was there that she met
Donald E Palumbo, an adjunct instructor in English and a writer
specializing in the literary analysis of science fiction. They married in 1978 and shortly after moved
to
Marquette,
Michigan, where Donald took a position as an associate professor of English at Northern Michigan
University.
This transition provided Julie with the opportunity to continue her artistic education under the
guidance of
Wolfram F Niessen, a renowned sculptor. Although Niessen recognized her true potential as an artist,
Julie
remained somewhat uncertain about her capabilities at this stage of her life.
The subsequent five years spent in Michigan were a whirlwind of activity. Julie became a mother, with
Anthony arriving in 1980 and David in 1982. Amid her duties as a mother, she managed to illustrate two
privately published children's books.
Move to Elyria, Ohio
In 1983, the family embarked on yet another journey, this time to Elyria, Ohio, as Donald assumed the
role
of chair of the language and humanities division at Lorain County Community College. Julie promptly
enrolled
at the college to pursue her artistic studies.
Competitive Bodybuilder
During this phase, Julie delved into weight training and bodybuilding. Her dedication led to a
successful
five-year career in competitive bodybuilding, marked by national rankings and numerous awards.
However,
concerns about the prevalent use of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in the industry led Julie
to
step away from competition, with her final contest taking place in 1989.
Another Move to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
The next step in Donald's career path led the family to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he joined
Shippensburg
University of Pennsylvania as a professor of English. Despite the changes and her various activities,
Julie
continued her art studies at Shippensburg University. Nonetheless, she never completed her art degree
due to
life's demands.
Two years into their stay in Chamberberg the marriage was beginning to unravel,, and Julie's
decision to end her bodybuilding career added to the shifting dynamics. In 1989, during her last
competition
in New Jersey, a promoter suggested that Julie consider modeling for the artist Boris Vallejo.
Personal Journey: Partnerships
This marked a turning point for Julie. As she engaged in modeling sessions with Boris, discussions
about
art flowed, allowing her to observe his techniques and professional approach. Seeking his input on her
work,
Boris recognized her as a serious artist and encouraged her to delve deeper into the meaning she
wished to
convey through her art. Embracing this more introspective approach, Julie's confidence as an artist
blossomed. Within a year, she mastered a technique for rendering highly polished surfaces, a skill
that
shone brilliantly in her cover illustration for Heavy Metal Magazine. Armed with new
confidence she accepted commissions for video-game covers, illustrations for Marvel Comics and book
covers.
All the while the relationship between Boris Vallejo and Julie developed into a deepening bond between
the two,
in 1994 they married forming a creative partnership that not only enriched their individual work
but also led to several collaborative projects. Their shared passion for art allowed them to push the
boundaries of their craft, inspiring each other to reach new heights.
Artistic Evolution
Throughout her career, Julie Bell has explored various artistic realms, delving into fantasy,
wildlife,
portrait and occasionally abstract painting. As a master of both fantasy and wildlife art, Julie
Bell's
legacy is one of unbridled creativity, a deep
connection to nature, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Her ability
to
evoke
emotion through her paintings, coupled with her dedication to perfecting her craft, cements her place
as
a
true visionary in the world of art.
Fantasy Realms
Her fantasy artwork transported audiences to enchanting worlds, filled with
both real and
mythical
creatures in captivating landscapes. Her mastery of the human form and her keen eye for detail allowed
her
to create characters that seemed to leap
off the canvas, endowed with life and emotion. Bell's work often features powerful and dynamic
figures, a
testament to her background in bodybuilding, which she pursued seriously in her youth. Her paintings
capture
moments frozen in time, inviting viewers to step into the fantastical narratives she weaves.
Wildlife Art and Nature's Majesty
One particular event became a major turning point in her career, when asked to illustrate
the jacket of Jane Lindskold's Through Wolf's Eyes. At Boris's suggestion, they visited
Lakota
Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ to observe the wolves and prepare reference drawings. The visit
re-ignited
Julies love for nature revealing itself in her stunning wildlife artwork.
Not only depicting the physical attributes of her subjects but also conveying their innate spirit and
the
delicate balance in the natural
world. Her wildlife pieces radiate an authentic understanding of anatomy and behavior, reflecting her
dedication to capturing the essence of each creature she portrays.
Abstract
Julies forays into abstract painting have led her to experiment with colors, textures, and
shapes,
conveying emotions and capturing the imagination of viewers.
Artistic Achievements and Legacy
Throughout her illustrious career, Julie Bell has received numerous accolades and awards for her
exceptional contributions to the world of art.
Chesley Awards
2009 - Winner - Artistic Achievement category
2009 - Nomination - Best Color Work
2013 - Winner - Best Color Work
2014 - Nomination - Best Product Illustration
9th Art Renewal Center Salon
2013 First Place in the Imaginative Realist Category
Third Place - Animal Category
Runner-Up - Best Portrait Category
2023 Art Renewal Center - Living Master
Her paintings have graced book covers, gallery exhibitions,
and private collections, captivating audiences with their transcendent beauty. Her work has left an
indelible mark on the fantasy genre, inspiring countless aspiring artists to delve into their
imaginations
and explore the limitless possibilities of artistic creation.
Conclusion
Julie Bell's artistic journey has been one of wonder, exploration, and evolution. She has
breathed life into canvases and transported viewers to realms where imagination knows no bounds. Her
legacy as a gifted artist and her ability to forge connections between the magical and the natural
worlds continue to enchant and inspire generations of art enthusiasts and dreamers alike. A master who
has cemented her place as a true visionary in the world of art.