Boris Vallejo Portrait
“As a young kid four years old, ... I was drawing on the walls of my mothers' kitchen.”
Boris Vallejo, Artist.

Introduction

The majority of this biography is based on Boris Vallejo’s own words, as published in interviews conducted in the mid-1970s and since.

Boris Vallejo was born in Lima, Peru, on January 8, 1941. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a teacher, providing a comfortable middle-class upbringing. At the age of eight, he was inspired by Chesley Bonestell’s illustrations in Masaya Magazine and envisioned becoming an illustrator himself. Art came effortlessly to him; he recalls, “As a young child, four years old, I was drawing on the walls of my mother’s kitchen.”

Childhood and Schooling:

At the age of fourteen, Boris was awarded a five-year scholarship to attend the Escuela Nacional Superior Autónoma de Bellas Artes in Lima. Where he won a prestigious prize medal offering him an opportunity to pursue art studies in Florence Italy. Boris declined the opportunity choosing to continue his education in Lima.

His academic journey was challenging, simultaneously combining regular school with extra curricular studies in art and music. Boris describes his typical schedule:

“I would wake up at 8:30 a.m. and head to school. I would leave at 11:30 a.m., taking a taxi to the city and the conservatory of music for an hour. I would return home around 1:30 p.m. for a quick lunch and rush back to school at 2:00 p.m. I would leave at 5:00 p.m. and head back to the city, arriving at the art school from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. I would return home around 9:30 p.m. and then practice my violin and complete my homework for school and the next day. The routine would repeat itself.” Saturday school started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 11:30 a.m. since it was a Catholic institution. Sundays were reserved for Mass, so there was no possibility of a late start.

Life Choices and Transition:

Throughout this period, Boris developed an interest in bodybuilding. Three years of dedicated self-improvement resulted in an incredible transformation. He gained sixty-five pounds of muscle!

When Boris turned sixteen and finished high school, he shared his father’s romantic dream of becoming a doctor. However, he soon realized that medicine wasn’t his true calling and that he needed to be financially independent. So, he accepted a full-time job as an illustrator for advertising agencies. This transition taught him essential skills like layout, design, and lettering.

Despite six years of success and recognition as one of Peru’s top artists, Boris faced financial difficulties. Seeking new opportunities, he consulted with his American art director, who suggested exploring the United States, especially New York. Initially hesitant, Boris had never left Peru and wasn’t fluent in English. After careful consideration, he realized this was the path he should take

Arriving in America

Demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. On September 13th, 1964, Boris took a leap of faith, purchasing a one-way ticket to New York with just eighty dollars in his pocket. Determined to save his money, he spent the next three days navigating the subway system. During his journey, he had a serendipitous encounter with fellow Peruvians who offered him temporary lodging. Coincidentally, a visiting couple mentioned their acquaintance with another Peruvian artist, Jorge Vera, who was working in their hometown of Connecticut, the very friend he was searching for.

This connection led to a job opportunity in the advertising department of 'Interstate Department Stores. Within six months of starting, the department relocated to New York, taking their highly treasured Peruvian artist with them.

Colleagues often joke around, so it was when Boris and fellow illustrator Doris Maier became friends that their colleagues noticed. ‘Boris and Doris’ they would tease, but the friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, and soon they were married.

Comic Covers and Artistic Breakthrough:

Bored with the monotony of technical illustrations, despite his wife Doris’s complaints about his lack of focus on freelance assignments, Boris conceived an idea for a “Monster” painting. However, her perspective shifted when the painting was accepted and published as a comic cover.

This humble beginnning, flourished into a prestogous career. His captivating artwork adorned the covers of numerous fantasy and science fiction novels, serving as visual representations of the epic narratives within. Through his illustrations, Boris breathed life into the fantastical realms envisioned by authors such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and H.P. Lovecraft.

Doris had her own projects, penning the narratives to several books, including “Enchantment”,“Mirage,” and “Ladies: Retold Tales of Goddesses and Heroines.”. Boris natuarally provided the illustrations, with the children, Dorian and Maya, playing their part as models.

Despite their long marriage spanning over twenty-five years, the marriage concluded in divorce by the end of 1993.

Meeting Julie Bell and Continued Growth:

In 1989, as the marriage to his first wife Doris was drawing to an end. Boris's path intertwined with that of Julie Bell, a bodybuilder and model with a keen interest in art. Through their collaboration, mentorship, and shared artistic pursuits, their relationship deepened, eventually leading to marriage. The pair continued to expand their artistic horizons, creating diverse works for movie posters, video game covers, music albums, and more.

Vallejo's art has garnered immense acclaim and recognition throughout his career. His numerous accolades include multiple Hugo Awards for Best Artist and Spectrum Awards for Fantastic Art. His artwork has been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide, enchanting audiences with his mastery of form, color, and composition.

Boris Vallejo's artistic legacy is not only evident in his vast body of work but also in his dedication to nurturing talent in others. He generously shared his expertise with his own children and stepchildren, many of whom have become successful professional artists. Boris and Julie continue to create art together, sharing a studio in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of illustration and creativity.

Artistic Achievements and Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, Boris Vallejo has received numerous accolades and awards for his exceptional contributions to the world of fantasy art.

1978 - Inkpot Award

1979 - British Fantasy Award for best artist for his painting The Amazon Princess and her Pet.

Chesley Awards

2011 - Chesley Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

2014 - Chesley Award for Best Product Illustration.

Boris Vallejo Portrait
“I did not have a traditional art-school education. But I had a fantastic one.”
Julie Bell, Artist.

Introduction

Julie Bell, a prominent figure in the realm of fantasy art, has captivated audiences with her enchanting paintings that transport viewers to magical realms. Her works, renowned for their captivating fantasy elements and wildlife subjects, reflect her journey of creativity and personal growth.

Early Life and Artistic Roots

Born on October 21, 1958, in Beaumont, Texas, Julie Bell was the second of four siblings to Sydney and Milton Bell. Her artistic inclinations flourished under the nurturing guidance of her parents, particularly her mother, who transformed mundane tasks into imaginative experiences for her children.

However, Julie’s childhood took an unexpected turn at the age of twelve when her parents divorced. This pivotal event marked the commencement of a period of constant change, initially relocating with her mother and sisters to Atlanta, Georgia, followed by frequent relocations to different high schools, where she adeptly navigated new environments trying all thw while to maintain her academic and creative aspirations.

At the age of fifteen, Julie pursued life-drawing lessons at Dekalb County Community College in Atlanta.

Over time, Julie cultivated her skills in various artistic disciplines, yet she remained steadfast in her quest to establish her unique artistic voice.

Julie enrolled at Lamar University to further her artistic studies under the mentorship of wildlife artist and professor of painting, Jerry Newman.

Marriage and Michigan

In that setting, she encountered 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 thereafter relocated to Marquette, Michigan, where Donald secured a position as an associate professor of English at Northern Michigan University. This transition presented Julie with the opportunity to pursue her artistic education under the mentorship of Wolfram F. Niessen, a celebrated sculptor. While Niessen acknowledged her inherent artistic potential, Julie harbored some reservations about her abilities at that juncture of her life.

The ensuing five years in Michigan were characterized by a multitude of activities. Julie welcomed her first child, Anthony, in 1980, followed by David in 1982. Despite her responsibilities 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 dedicated herself to weight training and bodybuilding. Her unwavering commitment resulted in a successful five-year career in competitive bodybuilding, marked by national rankings and numerous accolades. However, concerns regarding the pervasive use of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in the industry prompted Julie to withdraw from competition, with her final contest taking place in 1989.

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Relocating to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, marked the next chapter in Donald’s career. He joined Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania as a professor of English, while Julie continued her art studies at the institution. Despite the changes and her various pursuits, Julie never completed her art degree due to life’s demands

Two years into their residence in Chambersburg, the marriage began to deteriorate, and Julie’s decision to retire from bodybuilding further exacerbated the situation. In 1989, during her final competition in New Jersey, a promoter suggested that Julie consider modeling for the artist Boris Vallejo

Personal Journey: Partnerships

This marked a significant turning point for Julie Bell. As she engaged in modeling sessions with Boris Vallejo, discussions about art flourished, enabling her to observe his techniques and professional approach. Seeking his guidance on her work, Boris recognized her as a serious artist and encouraged her to explore the deeper meanings she intended to convey through her art. Embracing this more introspective approach, Julie’s artistic confidence flourished. Within a year, she mastered a technique for rendering exceptionally polished surfaces, a skill that showcased brilliantly in her cover illustration for Heavy Metal Magazine. Armed with newfound confidence, she accepted commissions for video game covers, illustrations for Marvel Comics, and book covers. Concurrently, the relationship between Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell deepened into a profound creative partnership. In 1994, they married, forming a collaborative venture that not only enriched their individual artistic endeavors but also led to several collaborative projects. Their shared passion for art propelled them to transcend the boundaries of their craft, inspiring each other to achieve new heights.

Artistic Evolution

Throughout her illustrious career, Julie Bell has traversed a diverse range of artistic realms, including fantasy, wildlife, portraiture, and occasionally abstract painting. As a master of both fantasy and wildlife artistry, Julie Bell’s legacy stands as a testament to boundless creativity, a profound connection to nature, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Her ability to evoke profound emotions through her paintings, coupled with her unwavering dedication to honing her craft, solidifies her position as a true visionary within the realm of art.

Fantasy Realms

Her fantasy artwork transported audiences to encHer imaginative artwork transported audiences to enchanting realms, brimming with both tangible and mythical creatures amidst captivating landscapes. Her proficiency in capturing the human form and her meticulous attention to detail allowed her to create characters that exuded life and emotion, seemingly leaping from the canvas. Bell’s work frequently depicts powerful and dynamic figures, a testament to her rigorous pursuit of bodybuilding during her youth. Her paintings capture fleeting moments in time, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the fantastical narratives she skillfully weaves.

Wildlife Art and Nature's Majesty

One pivotal event catalyzed her career transformation when she was commissioned to illustrate the jacket of Jane Lindskold’s Through Wolf’s Eyes. At Boris’s recommendation, they embarked on a journey to Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, New Jersey, to observe the wolves and prepare reference drawings. This visit reignited Julie’s profound love for nature, manifesting in her exquisite wildlife artwork. Not only did she meticulously capture the physical attributes of her subjects but also conveyed their inherent spirit and the delicate equilibrium within the natural world. Her wildlife pieces exude an authentic understanding of anatomy and behavior, reflecting her unwavering 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 adorned 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 explore their imaginations and venture into the boundless possibilities of artistic creation.

Conclusion

Julie Bell’s artistic trajectory has been marked by wonder, exploration, and evolution. Her creations have breathed life into canvases, transporting viewers to realms where imagination holds no bounds. Her legacy as a gifted artist and her ability to transcend the boundaries between the magical and the natural worlds continue to captivate and inspire generations of art enthusiasts and dreamers alike. A master who has solidified her position as a true visionary in the realm of art.

Painting Techniques

Boris's advice to artists and the importance of study

Boris began drawing from an early age, in fact he claims he cannot remember a time when he was not drawing. He attended art school and is grateful for the formal training he received there. It offers several benefits, a good teacher can share his experiences and keep you on a straight path, you can see the work of fellow students and benefit from their feedback, strive to attain the level of those above and recognize your current standing along the artistic path.

1
Preparing the Boards

The first step with any painting is having a good surface on which to work.

Boris and Julie rarely use canvas for their illustrations, they find the texture of illustration-board provides the fine detail they require.

By choice, Boris and Julie use Strathmore cold press, double weight illustration board. This is made of 100% cotton, is acid free and permanent.

2
Coating with Gesso
Gesso the boards.
3
Preventing Bowing
Prevent bowing.
4
Creating a frame
Creating a frame.
5
Preventing Paint Seepage
Prevent seepage
6
Preparing Brushes
brushes
7
Boris's Palette
Boris palette
8
Julie's Palette
Julie palette
9
Reference Materials

The starting point for Boris and Julies pictures is usually a rough, or even quite detailed sketch.

The realism of their paintings comes from the skilled use of reference material.

Boris and Julie have accumulated a vast library of art and nature books, magazines - anything really that shows textures and details they may want to paint.

Much of this they have photographed themselves.

10
An Array of Props
Props
11
The Studio
studio
12
Photography
photographing models
13
Rough Sketch
rough sketch
14
Transfer to Board
transferring sketch
15
Under-Painting
under-painting
16
Backgrounds
backgrounds
17
Staying on Track

Experience is a great help for judging if a painting is going in the right direction.

To see whats going wrong is probably the most important thing for an artist...

To see what's wrong with a painting, turn it upside-down or view it in a mirror, another trick is to close one eye.

18
Adding Detail
add details
19
Completed Painting
finnished
20
More Reading
books