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

Introduction

Boris Vallejo's journey begins in Lima, Peru, where he was born on January 8th, 1941. His father, a lawyer, and his mother, a teacher, provided him with a comfortable middle-class upbringing, nurturing his interests in music and art. His youthful imagination was exited early on by Chesley Bonestell’s illustrations in Masaya Magazine, igniting a lifelong passion for illustration, and invoking daydreams of becoming an illustrator himself.

Childhood and Schooling:

Boris's drawing skills were evident from the beginning, starting as an infant drawing on the kitchen walls while his mother prepared the families meals, developing so much that by the age of thirteen he was proficient enough to be engaged as an illustrator. At fifteen, he earned a five-year scholarship to the Escuela Nacional Superior Autónoma de Bellas Artes in Lima, a prestigious art school. This marked the beginning of his formal artistic education, where he honed his skills and explored his creative potential.

Around this time, Boris was presented with the opportunity to study art in Florence, however, he chose to continue his studies in Lima. His rigorous schedule during these years included attending regular school, pursuing music studies, and dedicating himself to art education. His days were a constant juggle, from morning school sessions to music lessons and art school in the evenings. Despite the demanding routine, Boris's commitment to his artistic growth remained unwavering.

Life Choices and Transition:

Towards the end of his adolescence, Boris took up an interest in bodybuilding, embarking on a three-year journey of self-improvement, adding significant muscle mass to his physique. This physical pursuit ran parallel to his artistic endeavors, showcasing his multifaceted nature.

After completing high school, he spent two years studying pre-med in college, fulfilling the idea of becoming a doctor as his father had hoped. However, when his father fell ill circumstance forced a re-evaluation of his destiny. Balancing his artistic calling and the need to support himself, he ventured into a full-time career as an illustrator, working with advertising agencies. The experience widened his artistic skills introducing him to layout, design, lettering and importantly working to deadlines.

Despite achieving recognition and success as a prominent illustrator in Peru, Boris found that financial rewards were elusive. At the suggestion of an American Art Director, he considered seeking opportunities in the United States, particularly New York. Although the prospect initially rattled him due to his lack of the English language and the unfamiliarity that goes with leaving ones home country, he eventually embraced the idea. Having prepared a portfolio, he embarked on a new chapter, attempting to join-up with an artist friend who had preceded him to America.

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 to his name. The initial days in New York were marked by financial challenges, riding the subway for days to save money, eventually after a chance encounter with fellow Peruvians finding permanent lodgings. It was they who spoke of another Peruvian artist working in Connecticut, none other than Jorge Vera, the 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.

Banter between colleagues is commonplace, so it was when a friendship between Boris and fellow illustrator Doris Maier was noticed. ‘Boris and Doris’ their colleagues would jibe, despite the teasing the friendship developed into a romantic relationship, and soon they were married.

Comic Covers and Artistic Breakthrough:

Bored with the drudgery of bread-and-butter technical illustrations, ignoring complaints from his wife, Doris that he should meet his deadliness and focus on the freelance assignments, Boris's acted upon an idea for a "Monster" painting. Her attitude changed however when the painting was accepted and published as a comic cover.

This marked the beginning of a prolific career, beginning with comic cover art, his work gracing numerous publications, a distinctive style, characterized by muscular figures, alluring heroines, and otherworldly landscapes, quickly became his trademark. His mesmerizing artwork graced the covers of numerous fantasy and science fiction novels, creating visual representations of the epic stories within. Through his illustrations, Vallejo breathed life into the fantastical realms imagined by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and H.P. Lovecraft.

The family teamed together on numerous assignments, collaborating with his spouse Doris they published several of their own titles, Enchantment, Mirage and Ladies: Retold Tales of Goddesses and Heroines , Boris supplying the illustrations and Doris, the text, their two children Dorian and Maya acting as models. The long marriage with Doris lasted for over twenty-five years, however by the end of 1993 the marriage was concluded with divorce.

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.

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

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.