The Artistic Journey of Don Bell
Born Donald David Bell in 1948, Don is a multi-genre artist, illustrator, Senior Professional Architectural Technologist, former advertising executive, and photographer. His creative works span a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, pencil, pen, and mixed-media, including digital art. His genres encompass aviation, wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, portraits, architecture, and contemporary art. As a teenager, Don was privately tutored in fine art by well-known South African artists and art lecturers André Vancoillie and Paul Lavender. He matriculated in art at the Port Elizabeth Technical College in 1968 and joined an architectural firm as an in-house illustrator. Trained in architectural design and technical drawing, Don eventually opened his own architectural, commercial art, and graphic design studio in 1978. His business expanded to include marketing and advertising, servicing local, national, and international clients. Don has traveled internationally and throughout Southern Africa, exhibiting his wildlife works in game reserves and high-end tourism establishments. His philanthropic efforts include donating works to fundraising organizations and programs. Currently based in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Don continues his architectural practice, Gate 7 Architectural Services, with a partner in Port Elizabeth.
