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 a 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.