Born in: Buffalo, New York
Lives in: Buffalo, New York
Occupation: Artist
Studied: Construction technology and psychology
Art training: None
Artwork theme: Perfect world dreamscapes
Favorite art piece: “Castle Creek” by Andy Russell
MOVA Globe design: Home for the Holidays MOVA Globe
Website: AndyRussell.com
“Many people have said they have had dreams of places like these.”
– ANDY RUSSELL
Finger-painting in kindergarten was Andy Russell’s first and last encounter with formal art training and he still uses this technique today to smooth and blend paint. Even though he held such non-art related jobs as steel worker, life insurance salesman, field investigator, car rental manager, and electronic parts salesman, this could not stifle the passion and desire Andy had for pursuing his dream.
At about age thirty, having dabbled in various self-improvement techniques, Andy began to experience dream after dream of incredible lands of peace, beauty, and tranquility where one could skate across the landscape on thin air or soar into the sky to see the splendor below. There was beautiful, unique foliage and incredible architecture. He had many of these dreams, which inspired him to share them with the world through his art. From his dreams he was able to develop his own unique style.
Demand for his art increased to the point where, in 1991, he took the leap to full-time artist and hasn’t looked back since. Traveling became an enjoyable way to experience new ideas as well as sell his work.
Today, Andy is a signature member of the National Acrylic Painters Association (NAPA) with headquarters in England and a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists. His artwork is well represented in corporate and private collections in the United States and abroad including GTE, Aero Instruments and Avionics, Armand Castellani (Castellani Art Museum), General Motors, and celebrity artist Peter Max.
I doodled and drew as far back as I remember. At the age of 7, my artist aunt shared the joy of painting with me as she showed me various techniques. Other than that I have no formal training.
How has your art changed over the years?
The early works were more stylized – directly from dreams. Now that I have perfected my style, I infuse it in ordinary things to give them that perfect world look.
How is your personality reflected in your work?
I like a mixture of the material world and spiritual world and I think my work reflects that.
What about your technique stands out from other artists?
I use a glazing technique of layering colors to give them a brilliance and luminosity.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I just sit down and start to work, think, sketch or paint and then it starts to come. I don’t have the luxury of waiting to be inspired before I start every time.
What food, drink, and song inspires you?
Pizza, beer, and Harvest Moon by Neil Young.
You’re a new addition to a crayon box? What color would you be and why?
Meditation Blue – A deep blue expressing tranquility and peace.
If you could go back to another artistic time period, which one would you go to?
The Art Deco Period. I love the colors and streamlined designs.
Which artist, living or dead, would you like to hang out with for a day, and why?
Leonardo da Vinci because of his pure genius.
You have 24 hours to live – how would you spend your day?
If I could…being connected to a Spiritual Master and being taught the secrets of the universe and of life.