Candice Russell

To be able to paint  and the process leading up to the easel work, has become the best chance for me to free myself from the anxious state of mind I cope with everyday.  Whether I’m finding subject matter, composing the painting, choosing color, mixing, etc., it becomes a totally immersive experience that allows me to feel I can speak freely and acts as a driving force until I can complete the idea.  And so I paint…

Impressionists have allows been a starting point and with that in mind, I am inspired by everyday sights that are ‘the fabric of life’.  The smallest vignette, a lighting element, a situational moment can allow insight and reflection when we take a moment to observe.  From those observations, I try to translate what I see with a representational style in the hope that a viewer will find something of value and interest for themselves.

My process often begins with photos I have taken.  From there I will crop, re-compose, play with color elements or choose an idea of what I want to translate through water solvable oils on canvas or gesso board.  I am drawn to small segments of broad landscapes but I love the challenge of contemporary portraits as well.  Since I am primarily self-taught, I look for workshops and online classes to further my art education.  Some form of creating has almost always been a part of my life and I have moved from crafting in fabric, to primitive Americana style painting on found objects to canvas work.  All of it has given me great joy.

Since moving to Sarasota, I have belonged to one art club, been a volunteer at a local art center and entered several local art shows.  To be in the company of other art lovers is always an uplifting experience.