Bell Art began many years ago when I was still in school. My mother, Meryl Bell, loved painting Australian wildflowers, honing her skills tirelessly to capture their rich colour, form and beauty as the 17th century Dutch masters she so admired, did. Instead of painted peonies and roses spilling out of vases, Mum’s paintings showcased her beloved wildflowers. Fond memories of her childhood growing up in the rural areas of Western Australia, her grandmother picking wildflowers to display on the mantle, the gorgeously enveloping aroma of Boronia filling the air; these were all inspiration for Mum's passion and desire to capture Australian native flora and share their unique beauty with the world.
Her paintings of exquisite detail would each take many months and sometimes years to complete. Back when Mum was not well known, you couldn’t recover the cost of such paintings, so instead she founded Bell Art with my father Don, as a more accessible and affordable way for people to enjoy her paintings and the beauty of Australian wildflowers.
They started producing art prints and single cards, which turned into a boxed set for a bigger gift, and we have a nod to that original design featuring her stunning work'Crimson Gold',that is still a best seller today. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of wildflowers and her talents in capturing them with such grace and botanical accuracy.
Today, I proudly continue my mother's legacy after her passing. The love and reverence for her paintings has only grown, capturing hearts all around Australia and the world. I hope they bring you as much joy as they do to us!
