Bill Bell

Originally from Philadelphia, **Bill Bell** is an entirely self-taught artist who has been painting full-time since 1982, after a brilliant career as a musician and record industry executive.

For Bill, painting is a true calling: *“It is also my pleasure, my therapy and my challenge.”* Working mainly in vividly colored acrylics, he creates richly detailed, visually complex scenes inspired by the memories, people, animals, events and dreams that have shaped his life.

His unique, enchanting world has been reproduced on many products, including art prints, posters, greeting cards, T-shirts, puzzles, children's books and album covers, as well as several series of collector plates issued by the Franklin Mint.

Bill Bell loves to place characters and animals in situations that are both pleasant and often delightfully absurd. Each of his works invites the viewer to explore the entire canvas to discover its countless details, vibrant colors and lively scenes.

As he sums it up himself: *“I paint nostalgia and the absurd: nostalgia for a world that no longer exists, and the absurdity of the world of my dreams.”* Each of his paintings overflows with the joy, whimsy and optimism he chooses to see in life.