Stepping into Light 

Julie Bell created “Stepping into Light” using oil on canvas, a traditional pairing. Her method is a layering one, where the oil paint is applied in successive coats to build up the details in the animal’s fur. The way this work has been made influences its appearance greatly. Oil paint is renowned for its richness, and the way it can be worked wet-on-wet, allowing a painter to blend colors seamlessly. This allows Bell to create a hyperrealistic image, where we can almost feel the animal’s soft fur. The brushwork itself is invisible, unlike an Impressionist painting. Bell’s painting represents many hours of careful labor and control. Oil painting has a long and prestigious history, and here Bell shows us she has mastered its techniques. In doing so, she has created a captivating image, worthy of admiration. Bell is a recognized fantasy artist, and her skilled artistry creates an image that allows us to reflect on craft and fine arts.