The Strong Art of Julie Bell

Boris- a Known God,...Julie- a Younger Cult;
Comics, Fantasy, Science-Fiction Art

BORIS VALLEJO & JULIE BELL
Illustrators of Fantasy Art

by Richard Vasseur - (Posted: 5/17/2007)

Richard: How did you first start oil painting and drawing?

Boris Vallejo: When I was thirteen years old my father got me a set of brushes and oil paints. I made my own canvas and had my first painting experience. Drawing was there ever since I remember.

Richard: Do you have any professional training?

Boris: I started art school at thirteen and studied for four years, although I did not graduate since I did not care for the academic subjects such as art history, perspective and so on. Later on I realized the importance of these things and read about them on my own.

Richard: Do you have a preference of drawing fantasy or super heroes?

Boris: I am primarily a fantasy artist.

Richard: How did you decide you wanted to be an artist?

Boris: When I decided that medical school was not for me.

Richard: Did you ever expect to become as famous as you have?

Boris: I try not to think about it at all. I don't consider myself famous.

Richard: What about your art captures a person's attention?

Boris: I guess that you would have to ask that question to somebody else as I cannot be objective about my own work.

Richard: You have designed more than 300 covers but would you like to or have you done a complete comic?

Boris: As I said I am a fantasy illustrator. I am not suited for comic book drawing although I love comics.

Richard: How did you first meet Julie Bell?

Boris: She was a competitive bodybuilder and she came to model for me.

Richard: You use erotica in your pictures as well as imagination where does your inspiration for these come from?

Boris: It is part of my nature. I paint what I feel. Inspiration comes from everywhere. I don't look for it, it comes to me.

Richard: Which painters do you admire most?

Boris: Every artist is a source of inspiration. Some more than others. I cannot mention just a few.

Richard: How do you feel having so many people looking at your art every day?

Boris: It is great! I am grateful that I can make a living doing what I would love to do and I owe it all to the people that enjoy and support our art.

Richard: What advice do you have for new artists?

Boris: Work hard, be patient and don't get discouraged. It takes time to get there.

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Boris: Our website is www.borisjulie.com

Richard: Do you have any final words for admireres of your work?

Boris: Thank you for being there!!!

Richard: Lilandra is one of your most famous artworks how did you end up creating it?

Julie Bell: The people at Marvel Comics commissioned me to paint Lilandra as part of an X-Men trading card set. I think they liked the way that I portrayed strong women and also the way I painted metal. Lilandra has both.

Richard: Why did you decide to get into illustrating?

Julie: Because it is a total blast and I love it!!

Richard: Do you think you will ever fully retire from work someday?

Julie: Definitely not. I couldn't even think of it. Painting is more than just a job--it's part of who I am as a human being.
More follows---------
http://www.jazmaonline.com/interviews/interviews2007.asp?intID=477

The GALLERY-

http://fantasy.art.passion.free.fr/gallery-julie-bell.php

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