ABOUT THE ARTIST
WORLD OF SPORTS PAINTING
Born in 1959 in Québec City, Canada, Michel Bell spent most of his life there. After graduating in physics from Laval University in 1981, he developed his talent for sports, moving to Maui, Hawaii, to enjoy one of his passions, windsurfing. This led to his discovery of American artists.
When he returned to Quebec, with the rank of 10th in world championship windsurfing (1981), he began painting, inspired more particularly by LeRoy Neiman and Americo Makk. In his athletic family, his brother Danny Bell was one of the best handball players in the world for over 30 years. Both family sports served as inspiration for his first paintings. Thereafter, he broadened his repertoire to include the world of sports.
In 2004, after several years of practice, he decided to share his creations in art shows and offer them for sale.
“There is only great passion that can encourage the soul to great achievement.”
- Diderot Denis
SELF-TAUGHT PAINTER
A self-taught painter, Bell developed his own technique based on his observations of the work of these two artists. He first tried analyzing colours, textures and style, and then create his own artistic inclination. His personal technique is the result of trial, error and inspiration.
He admires, and is grateful to, his Masters
COLLABORATION WITH PHOTOGRAPH BOB MARTIN
Bell developed a long-lasting business relationship and, most importantly, friendship, with multi-awarded photograph Bob Martin from Sports Illustrated. Chief photographer of Wimbledon and the 2012 London Olympics, Martin is arguably the most reputable sports photographer in the world, and a precious collaborator for Bell.
Visit his website bobmartin.com