RP Frances Bell wins a prize from The Portrait Society of America for The International at their conference in Washington: The William F. Draper Grand Prize as well as the Peoples Choice Award!

“I don’t have the words to describe how amazed and delighted I am to have won the Draper Grand Prize, and the Peoples Choice Award as well. Stunned.
I was among exceptional company in the final, which is part of the reason why I was so shocked when it was read out – apologies to everyone I stared at vacantly in my amazement!
The society and the community it has fostered have become a stunning example of what can be achieved with determination, courage and deep joy in the art form we all love. It’s a very impressive thing to behold, so thank you to everyone who makes it work – we artists are very lucky.
I loved painting this piece, it was very cathartic to me to play with all of these elements of geometry, and contrast, and that this painting has come to this kind of recognition is deeply touching.”
-Frances Bell RP







