FEATURED ECAG MEMBER ARTIST: Doris Bell
Doris Bell says her interest in art was sparked when she was a child. "My mother had a framed landscape print that I would stare at for hours, trying to figure out how it was painted. Then, with paper and crayons, I would try to duplicate it. Throughout grammar and high school, my art talent was recognized by my teachers. Finally, in high school, I started sketching portraits of my classmates," said Doris.
In her senior year of high school, she won a scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta but could not attend because of the extra expenses her parents could not afford. However, her dream of studying art and becoming an artist never died.
Doris Bell, Autumn Mist | Acrylic on Canvas
After Doris married, her husband encouraged her and ensured that she got an art education. She took classes at the University of Alabama Extension in Montgomery on Bell Street, which later became Auburn University at Montgomery. And then, she took art from several local art instructors. But Doris said the real turning point came when she took classes from Bobby Carr. "Bobby encouraged me and suggested the idea of teaching art," said Doris. She continued taking art from Carr and other art instructors, including Dixie Art Colonist Walter Keith at the Montgomery School of Fine Art (Huntingdon College).
Doris Bell, Dairy Farm | Oil on Canvas
In 1974 Doris decided to teach a few art classes at her home. After enrolling her children in Alabama Christian Academy, she was asked to teach art there, which I did for a few years. She also kept teaching art in her new home studio. In 1987 as the classes grew, Doris and ECAG member Judy Lea, opened an art studio in Wetumpka, naming it the Jasmine Hill Art Gallery and Studio. After a few years, Judy resigned due to her mother's declining health. Doris continued to teach until 2004, when she sold her studio to Stephanie Harrison.
Doris Bell, Day Dream'n | Pastel on Paper
With the support of the Elmore County Art Guild, Doris conceived the idea of a county-wide youth art competition, which became known as "Sparking the Arts."
Doris is proud to say that she is a founding member of the ECAG along with former Wetumpka mayor Jo Glenn. The ECAG was founded in 1985. Doris has served as ECAG president, vice president, board member, newsletter editor, and on numerous committees.
During her late husband's illness, Doris did not have time to paint as much as she wanted. But, she is now painting again and still enjoys participating in the activities and shows.
Join the Dixie Art Colony Foundation in Andalusia, Alabama
Beginning on SEPTEMBER 29 and continuing through OCTOBER 28, 2022, the Dixie Art Colony Foundation will partner with the City of Andalusia, Covington County Historical Society, and ReAct Theatre & Arts to present a series of events in downtown Andalusia.
Moonlight on Pickle Hill | Carlos Alpha "Shiney" Moon, c. 1945 | CAM-2022.AW.0001 | Oil On Canvas, 29.75 x 23.75 inches | Gift of Mobile Museum of Art
This dreamlike example of Moon’s work demonstrates his signature style of distorted realism. This painting was included in the 2004 traveling exhibition titled “Tales from the Easel: American Narrative Paintings from Southeastern Museums, circa 1800–1959.” In this exhibition, Moon’s painting hung alongside works of well-known American painters such as Thomas Hart Benton, Francis William Edmonds, William Glackens, Robert Gwathmey, Childe Hassam, Edward Hicks, Winslow Homer, Jack Levine, Reginald Marsh, and Andrew Wyeth.
The exhibition, titled "A Retrospective of the Works of Carlos Alpha "Shiney" Moon," will open with a 2:00 pm reception on October 2, 2022, at the Andalusia City Hall located at 505 East Three Notch Street. The exhibition will continue through October 28, 2022. The first in a series of programs titled "All About Shiney Moon" will take place at 6:30 pm on September 29, 2022, in the Andalusia City Hall Auditorium.
A presentation titled "Dixie Art Colony: A Look at its Lasting Legacy" will take place at 2:00 pm on October 9, 2022, in the Andalusia City Hall Auditorium. "Andalusia's Murals: A Walking Tour" will begin at 10:00 am on October 15, 2022, at 200 South Three Notch Street.
For more photographs and information visit DixieArtColony.org/Andalusia. Check this page each week during October 2022 for updates.
For more information, call 334.513.1086.
