Phoenix 

Julie Bell painted 'Phoenix' using traditional oil paints on canvas. The smooth texture and blendable nature of oil paint allow for a high degree of realism, evident in the lifelike depiction of the lion's mane and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The artist’s process is painstaking. Each layer of paint must be applied with precision, allowing time for drying between applications. This labor-intensive approach contrasts sharply with the rapid production cycles of consumer culture. It is a tradition reaching back centuries; yet one can also read the influence of the entertainment industry, where idealized images of strength are commonplace. Bell takes skills honed in commercial art and applies it to what might be considered a more timeless subject. By understanding the materials, the artist's technique, and the broader context in which 'Phoenix' was made, we can appreciate the artwork as both a product of skill and a reflection of cultural values.