About us
Having sold over 1,000 original paintings, this artist is no newcomer to the art scene. In fact, his career got started in several upper end New York galleries.
As for Russell's paintings, there is a certain uniqueness, that makes the music he portrays, blast from the canvas. Most people cannot see sound. In Russell's works, the sound is visible through splatters of paint. Vibrant colors in an almost Pollack style, shoot from the instruments of Russell's musicians! He portrays athletes and teams in a way that takes you back, not to the game itself, but who you were with and the memories created at the game!
Russell has donated to well over 100 different charities, and done many official prints and posters. He has also been in many fine art galleries. In fact, his career got started in several upper end New York galleries. He was the sole proprietor of Richard Russell Gallery on Royal Street in the famous French Quarter, New Orleans 1989-2002. His gallery was consistently voted in the top two galleries by readers of Gambit Magazine (the cities leading arts and culture periodical).
To see some of his accomplishments, see the below:
Artist Statement:
My mentor was Richard Brough. Mr. Brough was my graphics teacher at University of Alabama in 1979, but more important, he made a deal with me. I was so bad at drawing a straight line, that I had a “D” in graphics. He made me promise to pursue fine art and never take graphics again. In return, he would give me a “C” in graphics. Mr. Brough also happened to be a great watercolor artist.
When people ask what kind of work I do, I respond, “It’s Norman Rockwell meets Leroy Neiman”. I paint people and places that you may see anywhere at any given time. I just add a bit of a splash to it.
Richard Russell
BORN: Peterborough, England, 1960
Russell was raised in Birmingham, Al. He resided in New Orleans, LA until hurricane Katrina uprooted the family. He then moved back to Birmingham in 2005. In 2017, Russell and his family moved to the Mountains of North Georgia, where he and wife Erin, continue to paint. Mr. Russell has sold over 1,000 original paintings and well over 50,000 prints in his career!
EXHIBITIONS & COLLECTIONS:
2019-Collection of Saints QB Drew Brees
2017-People’s Choice Award-Ann Arbor Street Fair
2016-Commissioned by Auburn University to do Auburn Collage
2016-Official Artist of the Yellow Daisy art show
(in top three best art shows in country by Sunshine Artist Magazine)
2015-In the Collection of Terry and Nick Saban
2014-Solo Show at Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
2013-Original Painting added in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH
2012 - Big Al’s Wall of Victory-A Championship Tail
2012 - Several pieces on display at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
2011 -“Toomer’s Corner” in permanent collection of the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA
2010 - “The Championship Season-Having a Ball” in the permanent collection of the College Football Hall of Fame-Atlanta,GA
2009 - Birmingham Civil RightsInstitute
2008 - “Eyes of the Tide original on permanent display at Bear Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa, AL
2007 - Officially licensed by University of Alabama and Auburn University
2006 - 2008 Griffith Gallery
2006 - Rockefeller CenterArt Show New York, New York
2006 - Russell also exhibited in Chicago, Boca Raton, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans and Birmingham
2002-2005 - Alexander & Victor Gallery, New Orleans
2002-2005 - Gallery of Light, New Orleans
1991 - Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Birmingham, Alabama
1990-2002 - Richard Russell Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana
1990 - City Stages Music Festival, Birmingham, Alabama
1988 - 153 Gallery, New York, New York
1988 - International Art Exposition, Los Angeles, CA
1986-1987 - Turning Point Design Gallery Atlanta, GA
1986-1990 - International Art Exposition, New York, New York
1987-1990 - Soundview Galleries, Port Jefferson, New York
1983-1986 - Stuart Gallery, New York, New York
HONORS AWARDS and COMMISSIONS:
2017 People’s Choice Award for Ann Arbor Street Fair
2010 Voted second most popular artist by Birmingham Magazine’s Best of Birmingham issue
2009 Commission of 5 originals for Inverness Country Club
2007 Licensed artist for the University of Auburn in Auburn, AL
2007 Author for the foreword of The Birmingham Sketchbook
2007 Licensed artist for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL
2007Author and illustrator of The Bama Fan Book
2007-present Official Artist of Vulcan Birthday Bash-Birmingham, AL
2005 Official Artist of Do Dah Day -Birmingham, AL
2004 Commission for the lobby and prints in every room of The St. Christopher Hotel in New Orleans
1991 Official Artist for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame
1990 Official Artist for the City Stages Music Festival
1988 Official Artist for the Alabama Symphony
1986 Marquis Who’s Who Award
1985 Outstanding Young Americans Award for Achievements in the Arts
1984 Six paintings commissioned by The Arnold Palmer Family