About Mark
Each of my paintings is hand-crafted. The process I use is intentionally slow, thoughtful, and methodical—much like a meditation while painting. The result is artwork that is most often described as serene and calming.
The imagined landscapes of my paintings reflect my experiences and memories of the open spaces and prairie settings of my Midwestern roots.
Much of my work is in the Tonalist style, with a focus on neutral color and atmospheric effects. With oil paint and various mediums I apply many thin layers, to achieve unique surfaces and luminosity that capture nature’s ever-changing light, color and weather.
For many years I led popular in-person and online workshops. Topics included Tonalism, minimalism and abstraction in painting the landscape. Currently, I’m focused on 1:1 instruction and mentoring experienced artists.
I have been creating landscape and nature paintings for more than 30 years. I've exhibited my work in group shows, in galleries and museums across the country. I have won numerous awards and I'm an Illinois Arts Council Grant recipient. My paintings are included in private and corporate collections. I have degrees from DePaul University and The American Academy of Art in Chicago.
MARK RUSSELL CV
EDUCATION
BA, DePaul University, Chicago
AA, American Academy of Art, Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
EXHIBITIONS
2018 - 2025
Water Street Gallery, Douglas, MI
2017 - 2019
OA Gallery, Kirkwood, MO - Miniature Show, Honorable Mention
2017 - 2018
Dempsey Gallery, Batavia, IL
2017
Kane County Chronicle Gallery, Batavia, IL
2015 - 2017
Gingrass Gallery, Milwaukee
2015
Dana Gallery, Missoula, MT
2014 - 2016
Elevate Gallery, Glen Ellyn, IL
2013 - 2015
Elaine Erickson Gallery, Milwaukee
2010
Chicago Loop Alliance, Chicago
Art of the Plains, University of Nebraska, Great Plains Art Museum, Lincoln, NE
Horizontal Grandeur: Prairie Artists, Stevens County Museum, Morris, MN
2008
The Artist Project, Chicago
2007 - 2014
Mullaly's Gallery, Elk Rapids, MI
2007
The Fields Project, Oregon, IL
Fine Arts Center, Dixon, IL
2006 - 2010
Soho Myriad, Atlanta
2006 - 2007
BD Mallon Gallery, Geneva, IL
2004/2005
American Furnishings Artisans Gallery, Columbus
AWARDS
Illinois Arts Council Grant - 2014
RESIDENCIES
The Fields Project, Oregon IL - 2007
TEACHING
In-person and Online Workshops:
Abstract Landscape Painting With Oil, Cold Wax and Other Mediums
Landscape Painting In The Tonalist Style
A Minimalist Approach To Painting The Landscape
1:1 Mentoring
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
Gamblin Artist Colors website: Cold Wax Medium featured artist
Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations https://www.coldwaxbook.com
Kane County Chronicle 1/11/17
COLLECTIONS
Hilton Hotel, McLean, VA
Hilton Homewood Suites, Pinehurst, NC
Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Schaumburg, IL
The Westin Chicago North Shore, Wheeling, IL
DuPage Foundation, Downers Grove, IL
Numerous private collections