Ann Bell Houston Artist, Teacher, Speaker, Leader

Art has always been an important part of my life. My inspiration is deeply rooted in nature, like the roots of the trees that frequently appear in my work. Since I have been traveling more, I have been incorporating images from my travels. I love the spontaneity that water-based media allows.

The images I paint come from within my own memory. As I reflect on these memories, I do not distinguish between reality and fantasy. I paint both as they present themselves to me. I hope that my paintings will transport you to a wonderful place tugging at the border of your own memory.

My web site can only give you a general feeling for my work. It cannot capture the richness of color or texture in the actual paintings.

My painting studio is located in a historic building in Midtown Houston. In addition to painting, I also enjoy traveling, working in my garden and walking in my peaceful, southwest Houston neighborhood.

I enjoy speaking about art and creativity. If your group needs a speaker on these topics, please call me.

If your art group would like for me to demonstrate my painting techniques at a meeting, please call me.

My audio CD 101 Ways to Encourage your Creativity is now available.

My Purpose is to use my:

Creativity & talent

Problem solving skills

Knowledge of art & business

Communication skills

By:

Creating, showing & selling my own paintings

Teaching others how to access their creativity

Empowering other artists through my business classes

So that:

The civilizing influence of art expands

As more people experience the joy of the creative process

And more artists show their art to a bigger audience.

I am an active member of WIVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts), where I served 4 years on the Board of Directors, 2 years as Publicity Chair.

I am an active member of Visual Arts Alliance and Houston Calligraphy Guild.

I have demonstrated for many area art associations including: Katy@Work, Southwest Artisans Society, Sugar Land Art League, and HCAA.

I've taught my Business of Art class in Bryan, Tx, for the Brazos Valley Art League, in Sugar Land at the Artists' Alliance of Sugar Land, in Bellaire for Houston Civic Arts Association, and in Conroe for the Conroe Art League..

I served 3 years on the Board of Directors of the Watercolor Art Society-Houston. I was President for two years (June 2004--May 2006). During this period, WAS-H constructed a new building, which was completed in March, 2006. I taught my "Experimental Surfaces in Watercolor" class at WAS-H that fall. Now I teach my classes in my own studio.

My art education, which will continue throughout my life, has been focused on water-media since the mid 1980's. In addition to classes at Glassell School of Art, Rice University and Art League of Hoston, I have studied with over thirty nationally known instructors, including such legends as Janet Walsh, Edgar Whitney and Milford Zornes. I have traveled to England, France, Germany, Ireland, Holland, and Mexico, as well as more than a dozen states. In 2007 I was priviledged to study with Anne Bagby, whom I have admired for years. I work in watercolor, acrylic, mixed-media and collage. I love sharing what I have learned with other artists.

I teach private painting classes to introduce aspiring creatives to the joys of painting. See my blog post on my teaching philosophy.

I teach some of my own favorite art techniques to small groups of artists in my studio. I also share my business knowledge.

I am an active member of American Business Women Association--Galleria chapter. I speak to business groups on the topics of creativity and "Five Ways Art Can Improve your Business." My favorite talk is "How to Be a Right-Brain Genius in a Left-Brain World."

I am also a member of WIVLA (Women in the Visual & Literary Arts), VAA (Visual Arts Alliance), and The Jung Center.

My formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Math & German from Rice University.

Ann Bell