My Approach to Painting

My goal with each painting is to create a compelling and realistic piece of art that is vivid and engaging, while also conveying a strong sense of place and perspective. I often focus on scenes that feature human-made structures - such as roads or buildings - in a beautiful natural landscape, rich in color and texture. These paintings draw the viewer into the scene by creating a sense of space, highlighting the differences in shape and design between the human-made and natural elements. I am also drawn to animals, whose expressions and movements provide endless inspiration.

The Paintings

I work with oil and acrylic paint on cotton and linen canvas. Many of my ideas are drawn from photographs I have taken on hikes at local parks and trails, as well as travels in the U.S. and abroad. My personal connection to the paintings gives them extra meaning that I hope resonates with others. A good example is the painting Road Trip (30x24 in oil and acrylic). This painting puts the viewer in the familiar vantage point of the driver’s seat, heading down an open highway. The crisp lines of the road, and the passing cars and trucks, create a strong sense of forward motion. The lush, greens of the surrounding woods, and the expansive, cloud-filled sky suggest the spaciousness and freedom of being on the open road.

Finishing and Framing

I varnish each painting to protect it from dust and dirt, as well as UV fading. I typically paint the edges of my paintings for a more finished look. Gallery wrap canvases often can be hung unframed as the extra thickness of the canvas gives them a solid presence, like Antelope Canyon #5..

Standard wrap canvases look better framed. I finish most of my paintings with customized painted frames that are an integral part of the work itself, highlighting key colors in the artwork, and sometimes continuing the scene onto the frame to create a small surprise, like in Giant Steps.

I get many of the frames at local thrift shops and find it satisfying to restore their beauty and give them new life.

Sometimes I paint the frame right on the canvas, like in 3 Pebbles.

I am not a custom framer, but will consider other framing options, especially for commissioned work. Paintings are ready to hang, with all necessary hooks, pads, and hardware.

Terms

The prices shown are for complete, finished paintings, ready to unwrap and hang on the wall. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area I am happy to arrange to drop off your painting. Otherwise shipping is additional.

Payment is by Venmo or PayPal. If you want to buy a painting please send me a message through the Contact page, or directly to RussMardonArt@gmail.com, indicating your name, which painting you are interested in, and your location. Wait until I respond to your message, then send the payment. I will then deliver or ship your new painting!