Russell Painting

I was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. I grew up in the John Carlyle House museum. My grandmother was the curator. When I was six-years-old my mother took me to a biker party. Her friend Tim was a member of the motorcycle club. Tim introduced me to the world of abstract art. We sat on the sofa and drew together. He was kind a patient. I loved drawing different shapes and lines. The next time I had anything to do with art was 2006. I had to take an art class to satisfy my requirement for my bachelor's degree in psychology. I was frustrated at my failed attempts to draw my own hand! My late husband, Scott, was a very talented still life artist. He helped me with my take home assignments. After the drawing class was over we continued to draw together. I continued to practice still life however; I was still drawn to abstract art. My education is a mix of private and public schools. In 2007 I graduated with honors from SUNY Potsdam, in New York. In 2010 I graduated from Capella University, Minnesota with a master's degree in psychology. Currently I am pursuing my PhD in psychology. My husband suddenly passed away in 2009. His death compelled me to express my emotions in a productive way. I was apprehensive about showing my work to anyone because it was so different. A friend urged me to get my paintings out there. What began as an emotional rescue from self-destruction and a way to stay connected to my late husband has turned into a vibrant and dynamic career. Every day, I am grateful that the canvas gave me a place for my creativity to run free, where I feel perfectly happy and where my visual communications touch others so powerfully.