The landscapes paintings in Wild Flowers investigate particular outdoor places that Russell has experienced in the Northwest. Diverse climates, specific plants, lichens, rocks, and fungus frequent his paintings. The complex symbiotic relationships of these organisms interweave into maximalist landscapes. Starting from experiences and studies in nature, he then completes his larger landscape paintings in his studio by building up through gestural layers of oil paint. The work flows from realism to mysticism, as he plays with the medium of oil paint and incorporates studio time with observation outside. Wild Flowers reflects Russell’s exploration of, and bewilderment by the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Chris Russell – Wild Flowers
Past exhibition
