Beyond The Tangle 

Julie Bell's painting, "Beyond The Tangle," showcases an intriguing blend of naturalism and fantasy, primarily rendered in oil. Bell's mastery over the medium is evident in the way she manipulates oil paints to create depth and texture. Her delicate brushwork defines the figure of the cat, contrasting the smooth, dark fur with the intricate details of the creature's inner anatomy, revealing a filigree of sinuous forms beneath the surface. Bell blurs the lines between anatomical study and imaginative creation, which is not just about skill, but also countless hours honing technique and conceptualizing these otherworldly hybrids. By rendering the internal as external, Bell challenges the traditional notions of painting, raising questions about where the organic ends and the constructed begins. Such approaches elevate the medium beyond mere representation, positioning it as a tool for constructing new realities. Bell asks us to consider art forms that have historically been marginalized, such as fantasy and illustration, as valid forms of artistic inquiry.