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 oils, watercolor and pastels, sometimes combining them. This approach offers a wide range of creative options.

Russell's vivid pastels and watercolors have been featured in numerous regional and national juried, solo and group shows. Oil painting allows for a loose approach to plein air painting.

"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 for her subject matter.

Vicky travels extensively, bringing back new ideas for her personal work and lessons for her classes.