This past year, UK-based artist Frances Bell unveiled a new commissioned portrait of Lieutenant Colonel John “Johnny” Kaye, Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. The striking portrait depicts the distinguished Lt Colonel Kaye seated next to a table, wearing a resplendent uniform of red, gold and black. “The composition,” Bell explains, “was inspired by the beautiful uniform that goes with the position of Her Majesty’s Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, which is a chivalric position that Johnny was retiring from after many years.” The portrait was commissioned to highlight the honored role that he occupied for so many years. “He wanted to mark the moment with a portrait,” Bell says, “and the uniform is so decorative that we were always going to include it.” 
Lt Colonel Johnny Kaye DL, oil on canvas, 32 x 28"
Born and raised in Suffolk, England, Bell developed an early interest in both drawing and painting while still in school, and at age 18 she traveled to Florence, Italy, to attend the renowned Charles H. Cecil Studios. After teaching summers at the atelier in Florence for a number of years, Bell returned to England to focus her attention on full-time commissioned work.
This portrait, in particular, was a special one for Bell, because of her relationship with the sitter. “I have known Johnny for a lifetime,” Bell explains. “I grew up with his children and he was friends with my parents, so I suspect I was chosen to paint this portrait at least in part for those reasons. He and his wife admired my work and were keen to have me paint him.” The highly detailed nature of the sitter’s uniform and accompanying objects, including a sword, swan plumed helmet and silver-tipped staff, required Bell to complete several sittings for the work. She says, “I did my sittings with Johnny live, as usual, since it is so important for me to have time to chat with my clients and to get a good foundation for the portrait.” Across his chest, Bell skillfully detailed the Lt Colonel’s numerous medals of honor along with the uniform’s decorative gold aiguillettes, or silk cords.
Bell has completed many other official portraits of distinguished persons including, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill of Sidney Sussex, Cambridge, John Brooks for Manchester Metropolitan University, Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and Rear Admiral Michael Gregory CVO OBE. “I like to have a full range of work at one time,” Bell admits. “At the moment, on the easel I have a few portraits in the works, including a family of three little girls, a series of water studies, and some recent work from a trip to Mallorca.” She often exhibits her work internationally and has several pieces in a new online show titled Figurate Art Now organized by Mall Galleries in the U.K. —
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