Frank Howell studied at the University of Northern Iowa and the Chicago Art institute where abstract expressionism was in vogue, but he felt the need for self-discovery and chose instead representation. He generally began with massive shapes of color which evolved into images of feathers, robes and hair. Howell was one of the few artists who is important as a painter as well as being recognized as a master lithographer and printer. He worked in a variety of media including drawings, monotypes, watercolors, oils, lithographs and sculpture.
Frank Howell's work has been widely exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad. Howell also authored some half dozen books.