Jennifer Bell
Narrative Art
Photo: Muzostream

About the artist

I trained in graphic art in advertising, and commercial illustration after doing a fine art degree. I have been freelance since 1986, writing/illustrating books, including cartoon books, and offering original interior design and decoration under the name Campion Bell. I won the 'World of Interiors' International Design Competition 2 years running (1994 & 1995). Before that there was a Highly Commended in a ‘Homes and Gardens’ competition, and very recently (2019) I was a finalist in the ‘House and Garden’ Design Competition. I specialise in design for paint; murals and trompe l'oeil and also love painting portraits - from life if possible, but if circumstances are difficult, I can take photos and work from them.

I also have experience of traditional skills; sculpture and ceramics, stained glass techniques and production, designing for interiors (including furniture) and I particularly enjoy the challenge of designing for ecclesiastical projects.

A number of years back, I rediscovered my first love; painting horses. I regularly exhibit with the Society of Equestrian Artists and run their workshops. I also tutor, and have written 3 books on how to draw horses.

Commissions

Discussion of a commission is good over the phone, but better face to face and on site.

Arrangements can be made for a site visit if required (this may be charged as a consultation if travel is involved), with photographic or sketch references taken. First impressions are important; I am a firm believer in inspiration informing ideas.

On-the-spot sketches may be all that is needed, but if more detailed design/presentation drawings are wanted, these will be added to the costs of the project (and invoiced even should the job fall through.) Design copyright belongs to the artist at all times.

Generally I charge per hour worked, plus expenses. I can provide a rough idea of final costs for an agreed design, plus a top cost, which will only be exceeded in exceptional circumstances. I am happy to discuss budgets.

I like the phrase 'Narrative art'; the best murals tell a story. Symbolism, metaphor and the client's own images can engage the viewers in the storytelling...and without being obvious. Information can be absorbed subconsciously, and the imagination stimulated. I find this quite exciting.

I am flexible, easy to work with, and I like my clients to be involved...many great ideas are improvised on-site. Sometimes, first ideas, (even brilliant ones) may be improved on by the genius of second thoughts.

Client List

Interior Design and Murals

  • Stapleford Park Hotel, Leics. (The Campion Bell and Harebell rooms, Grand Hall - both refurbishments - treatment rooms and decorative art in other rooms)
  • The George Hotel, Stamford, Lincs.(The Lambert and Stamford rooms, Reception -bas-reliefs of St George and the Dragon - Ladies' Powder room and bedrooms)
  • The Haycock, Wansford, Cambs.(The Orchard Restaurant murals and some work in bedrooms)
  • Tales of Robin Hood, Nottingham
  • Sherwood Forest Visitors' Centre
  • Yeguarda Iberica, Spain
  • Parts of major Visitor Centres in Norway and the USA (Mount Vernon, Washington, Connor Prairie Heritage Centre Indianapolis and Tampa Bay, Florida)
  • Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford upon Avon
  • Smuggler's Visitor Centre, Brixham, Devon

Ecclesiastical

  • New Wine conferences
  • Chapel of the City Hospital Nottingham
  • Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, West Bridgford
  • St Giles' Anglican Church, West Bridgford
  • Catholic Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Leicester

Publishing

  • J.A.Allen (many books, including the Annie cartoon books and Allen book of Painting and Drawing Horses which were bestsellers)
  • Stabenfeldt-for Scandinavia- (cartoon storybooks and illustration for pony books)
  • Hamish Hamilton (childrens' books)
  • Magi (childrens' books)

Songwriting

I also write songs - see www.jenniferbellsongwriter.com