Nature’s Color – Oil – 8 x 10 inches
The Red Piano Art Gallery is delighted to feature the exquisite works of artist Russell Gordon, an acclaimed realist painter known for his opulent and highly detailed still lifes. Gordon’s artistry, rooted in classical techniques yet imbued with contemporary sensibilities, is a testament to his devotion to the traditions of the Old Masters. His pieces are reminiscent of Dutch and Italian Mannerism, evoking a sense of elegance and timeless beauty that captivates viewers. Working directly from life, Gordon masterfully combines precise brushwork with a painterly glow, creating compositions that invite the viewer to explore every intricate detail.
Trained at the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore and as an apprentice to artist Will Wilson, Russell Gordon brings both skill and artistry to each painting. Known for his meticulous process, Gordon stretches his own canvases, fashions custom frames, and hand-grinds his paints. Using Maroger Medium, he achieves remarkable transparency and layering, creating a jewel-like richness in his works. His use of chiaroscuro, the technique of contrasting light and dark, brings a dramatic tension to his compositions, especially those depicting vanitas themes or nature-inspired subjects. Each piece is a celebration of life’s simple beauty, crafted with a touch of humor and symbolism that reflects Gordon’s unique artistic voice.
In recent years, Russell Gordon has expanded his portfolio to include portraits of North American birds, a subject dear to him since his youth. Inspired by the works of John James Audubon, Gordon’s fascination with avian life began with childhood sketches and continues as he explores his native fowl in the woods of upstate New York. Observing birds directly from life allows him to reconnect with nature, offering a refreshing contrast to the controlled environment of the studio. His bird portraits, rendered with the same meticulous detail as his still lifes, add a sense of vibrancy and natural beauty to his body of work, capturing the grace and spirit of his feathered subjects.
We invite you to visit The Red Piano Art Gallery at 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, in Bluffton, SC, just minutes from Hilton Head Island, to experience the luminous art of Russell Gordon. The gallery, a landmark of artistic excellence for over fifty years, is home to a curated collection of works by some of America’s finest painters and sculptors. Alongside Gordon’s stunning still lifes and avian portraits, you’ll find pieces that celebrate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Stop by and immerse yourself in the timeless artistry that makes The Red Piano Art Gallery a must-visit destination for art lovers.