Running with the Giants
an Evening with Figurative Artist Russ Flint
Friday August 8, 2008
As a child, Artist Russell Flint kept getting into his grandmother’s closets and desk drawers…
So to keep young Russell’s out of mischief, his mother bought two a drawing books for him, "How to Draw the Human Figure” and “Drawing Like the Great Masters." Those books were to begin Russ’ lifelong love and obsession with drawing and the human form and studying great,classic artists of history.
The Northwoods Art Gallery will be home to Russell’s One Man Show, “Running with The Giants”, with a meet the artist reception on Friday, August 8, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
Russell Flint – Santa Cruz
“I was first introduced to Russell’s work over two years ago, during Art Around the Lake and I was enchanted with his use of color, texture and the movement he creates with his figurative work.” Said Heather Long, owner of the Northwoods Art Gallery.
“Russell has such a wide range of styles and mediums that he uses, that his depiction of the human form or renderings of local architecture seem to move and dance on the hardboard, canvas or watercolor paper. Russell’s work is very reminiscent of the depression era murals and work done by the WPA Artists. His depiction of everyday activities are vibrant and classic in nature.” Continued Long.
In Russell’s junior and senior year of high school, he received two Summer scholarships to attend special classes at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, which furthered his lifelong affair with his muse.
As a young man, Russell served in the Air Force as a medic and studied art in his off-duty hours in the Medical Corps. He signed up for a "Famous Artists Correspondence Course" and turned his barracks room into a small studio. Russell hid all the paintings, drawings and easels before every weekly room inspection.
Russell Flint - Sidewalk Cafe
One day the company commander did a surprise inspection. He walked into Russell’s room and turned around and walked out shaking his head in unbelief.
The base medical unit had a human skeleton in the x-ray department, Russell drew studies of the skeleton on his off-duty hours, memorizing every bone.
After the military, Russell returned to Art Center. There he leaned to analyze the great master painters and draftsmen especially those of the Renaissance completing his life-long desire, you might say, he learning to "run with the giants." of art history
Russell Flint – Gray Blue Nude
After his wife, Cheryl, and Russell married, they were blessed with four beautiful children. They sold their home and packed everything in a large trailer not knowing to where they would relocate.
Russell, even as a newlywed and young father continued to keep his longtime mistress, ART, close by. Russell pulled a 4x5 utility trailer converted into a traveling studio, and he supported his family by illustrating children's books as they headed north.
Russell and his family discovered Plumas County and built their home here and Russell continued doing children's book illustrations, but his focus was always on fine art drawing and painting.
Realism in painting doesn't interest Russell, design, composition, movement and color are more important to him, as the finished product shows. The work of the great masters of the past still inspire him most. And he still loves running with the giants.
Russell’s one man show, “Running with the Giants” will be displayed through the month of August, and his work will be part of the permanent collection at the Northwoods Art Gallery.
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