Julie Bell: Barbarian Spice

Julie Bell (born 1958 in Beaumont, Texas) is an American painter. A fantasy artist, she is a former bodybuilder and fantasy model for her husband, painter Boris Vallejo.


Julie Bell has painted the covers for about 100 fantasy/science fiction book and magazine covers since 1990. In the early '90s, she illustrated painted covers for video games as well as many trading cards for the superheroes of Marvel and DC. She designed the award-winning Dragons of Destiny sculpture series, Mistress of the Dragon's Realm dagger series, as well as the Temptation Rides sculpture series produced by The Franklin Mint.


During the past eight years, a bright star has been rising on the firmament of science fiction/fantasy art. In this short period, Julie Bell has established herself as a force to be reckoned with, rubbing elbows with the top luminaries of the art world. Born in Beaumont, Texas, her art studies always centered around drawing, especially of the human figure. Her unique sense of color and dramatic composition puts her paintings in a class by themselves. Her, by now, legendary "metal flesh" has the fluency of water and the hardness of steel while maintaining the sensual softness of the skin. This magical effect has become her unmistakable trademark.

Julie Bell met Boris Valejo in 1989, and later married him. She recalls: "Boris taught me the painting and the technical parts. He taught me to trust myself when I paint. You almost have to fall in love with your painting."


A former competitive bodybuilder, Julie applies the same discipline and intensity to her art career. At the heart of her art is an element of empowerment and independence.

Julie Bell met Boris Valejo in 1989, and later married him. She recalls: "Boris taught me the painting and the technical parts. He taught me to trust myself when I paint. You almost have to fall in love with your painting."
Bell and Vallejo reside in Pennsylvania. She has two sons, Anthony Palumbo and David Palumbo, both of whom are also professional painters.