Michael Bell (artist)
| Michael Bell | |
|---|---|
 Michael Bell, In Studio | |
| Born | April 10, 1971 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania |
| Known for | Painting, Murals, Screenwriting |
Michael Bell (born April 10, 1971), is an American portrait painter, muralist and screenwriter. He has painted portraits of John Gotti[1][2] and actors from Mafia dramas The Sopranos, Goodfellas and A Bronx Tale. Bell is an activist against domestic violence and bullying.[3][4]
Early life and education
At the age of five Bell won the first juried art exhibition he entered. As a young artist he spent a lot of his time in and around New York City studying art with his maternal grandmother, Violet Vallery, a self-taught artist from Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
Bell has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Lycoming College and an Master of Education in Art Education from Towson University.
Career
Bell teaches art at Southern High School in Harwood, Maryland. In 2010 Bell achieved National Board Certification.[5]
After painting portraits for John Gotti he received commissions to paint actors who play Mafia members in movies and on television, including from The Sopranos, Goodfellas and A Bronx Tale.
Bell is active in the Visual Journaling movement, giving workshops throughout the United States and donating his paintings for sale by charities.[6] [7]
In 2008 Bell wrote a screenplay based on stories behind his paintings. [8][9] In 2010 Bell was commissioned to paint another portrait for Joseph R. Gannascoli.
In 2013 Bell painted a series of portraits of Mob Wives' Toni Marie Ricci. [10]
In 2015 he painted Dominic Capone III, Al Capone's great nephew.[11] [12] In 2015 Bell was commissioned to paint a portrait of John A. Gotti that featured on the cover of the New York Daily News.[13]
Awards and honors
2014: Scholastic Arts Gold Medalist Teacher
2013: Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher of the Year
2013: William U. Harris National Award of Excellence
2013: NAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor of the Year Award
2010: National Board Certification
2010: Appointed to Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council
2009: National Blue Ribbon Presenter, USDE, Washington D.C.
2005: Los Angeles Good Shepherd Community Service Award
2004: Anne Arundel County Public School's Teacher of the Year
2003: Who's Who Among America's Teachers
2002: Maryland Art Education Association's Most Outstanding Arts Educator of the Year Award
2001: State Superintendent Commendation for Post September 11 Relief Efforts
2000: Southern High School Teacher of the Year Award
References
- ↑ Needham, C., "Victoria's Secret: She Can Paint" New York Newsday, July 17, 2003.
- ↑ Michaels, M., "Michael Bell More Than An Artist to the Stars" Starpulse Magazine, April 24, 2014.
- ↑ Sigler, M., "Domestic Violence Activist Honored" The Capital, September 30, 2003, p. C3.
- ↑ Sigler, M., "Bell dons his tux at Albert Schweitzer Leadership Awards" The Capital, June 6, pp. B3, B4.
- ↑ Stephenson, M., "Michael Bell: Nationally Board Certified Teacher" South River Source, 31, December 2009.
- ↑ Ralli, N., "Key Choices in Chicago Happenings" Chicago SCENE Magazine, February 2007.
- ↑ Stephenson, M., "Harwood's Celebrity Artist" The Capital, October 3, 2008.
- ↑ Scanlon, M., "Stars & Cigars" Industry Magazine, November - December 2008 p.67.
- ↑ Benanti, Carol., "Glitzy fun for a good cause" Staten Island Advance, September 10, 2008
- ↑ Soprano, C., "Michael Bell paints Scars of a Real Mob Wife" M.O.B. WIVES Official Blog, December 3, 2012.
- ↑ del Rio, I., "The Capones Reality Show. Interview with Michael Bell" Yareah Magazine, December 11, 2013.
- ↑ Rackl, L., "New reality series The Capones hopes to be a hit for Reelz Channel this fall" Chicago Sun-Times, April 10, 2013.
- ↑ Stasi, L., "My Secret Life with John Gotti" New York Daily News, January 18, 2015.