Whether using pastels, watercolor, or a mixed media approach, artist Vicky Russell brings depth and vitality to her paintings. Viewers become emotionally involved, their memory released by familiar images.

Whether painting plein air or in her studio, Vicky's attention to detail suggests a realist approach to her subject. She feels her paintings have to be believable. It is her strong sense of design and abstract structure that invites the viewer into the paintings.

Vicky works in pastel and watercolor, often times combining the two. This approach offers a wide range of creative options.

Over the years, Russell's vivid pastels and watercolors have been featured in numerous regional and national juried, solo and group shows.

"It is the freedom of exploration with mixed media that allows me to express my feelings about a subject. Watercolor provides a base of color and shapes. Pastel seems to develop a life of its own. It is very immediate."

Growing up in the western states Vicky graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University; post graduate work in Art Education at the University of Northern Colorado. She lived in small mountain towns where she developed an intuitive sense of her subjects. Victorian porches, western landscapes and still life, portraits and pet portraits, are favorite themes in Vicky's paintings.

Recently spending time in Hawaii and Europe, Vicky is currently working on a series with a tropical theme. This winter, she plans to develop her sketches in Europe into finished art pieces. Revisit this website for updates!

"My goal is to convey personal feelings of a subject. The challenge is to take the viewer beyond the subject and evoke a shared memory."