Biography
Matthew Bell, born in Nelspruit, South Africa in 1989, is an entirely self-taught wildlife artist who uses only pencil to create his artwork
He lived in Nelspruit for most of his life before relocating to Cape Town in 2014 at the age of 25.
In the past, drawing was just a hobby for Matthew and he would sell the odd original here and there when he had one available. However, he soon realized that his art was becoming extremely popular and the demand for both prints and originals was growing. After moving to Cape Town he was then able to become a full time artist and now has his work displayed in a variety of shops and galleries with buyers from across the globe
He was always a perfectionist with an eye for detail and this is evident in the intricacy of his work. This is also why pencil is his preferred medium. With this he can capture the finest details in his subjects and has full control of each of those details in every drawing where the focus is on creating realistic and ‘pleasing to the eye’ works of art. Matthew's drawings do not have a background, and the effect of the negative space is as important to the aesthetics of the artwork as the subject itself.
He has always had a love for the natural world and after a life spent in and around the African bushveld, inspiration for his drawings was always close at hand. The subjects of his drawings are the unique variety of animals, birds and trees of Southern Africa
Black Rhino Bond
"This is one of my absolute favorite recent drawings. The reference photograph was captured in the world famous Serengeti, Tanzania and when I first came across it I knew I had to draw it!"
"It is a very special interaction between a mother and baby Black Rhino, a species which, unfortunately, is critically endangered today."
This drawing was also recently featured in the Daily Maverick newspaper, in print and online to highlight the plight of this amazing species
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If you would like to commission Matthew to draw you your own original, please click the below button and fill out the contact form. Matthew will reply to you with further information within 24 hours to discuss the specifics
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Email us anytime at info@matthewbellart.co.za
Featured
Limited edition gin from Pangogin - UK
Prints auction in Sydney for the Painted Dog Conservation organisation
Pangolin #3 recently sold at auction through the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in support of a great cause
