Born in Ohio, Howell attended The Dayton Art Institute and later studied at The Boston University School of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. His first exhibition was at the Hunt-Morgan Museum, Lexington KY, exhibiting his wire sculptures, created when he was 15. In his twenties his work was exhibited in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara, California.  He also worked as a book illustrator. Returning to Ohio, Howell created a series of paintings based on nineteenth century urban buildings as well as rural farm-scapes and farm structures. A decade of exploring abstract figures captured in dance followed. Moving to New York, his first solo show was of these dance paintings, followed by an exhibition of satirical/political works. After 911 he worked solely in large scale abstract collages that tracked world events.  Starting with simple collages of paint and tar paper, the process of collage has led him through the inclusion of handmade papers, metal screen, and the use of everyday objects. The method of collage has evolved from total abstraction to poignant political statements and even representational subjects. Along with recent timely political assembledges Howell is now experimenting with the kinetic application of paint.