A Much-Needed Meeting with Nature!
Over Labor Day, my wife, Kate, and I traveled to Estes Park, Colorado, to visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It was an amazing...
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Home: Welcome
Welcome to
Russel Fine Art!
Let me design a personalized and beautiful piece of artwork for your home that your family will love!
"Fifty Foot Falls," is complete! ​
36 hours of work on this massive 72-inch by 48-inch oil painting on Belgian linen.
My great friend and I had talked for a while about me doing another commission for him, only this time he wanted it to be huge! Earlier this summer we pulled the trigger.
First, I helped them narrow down subjects and did mockups for them of potential compositions. After they agreed to a scene, I drew multiple sketches and painted small versions, working out the values, colors, and composition. Additionally, I designed a custom canvas to ensure it could take the amount of paint I was about to apply — aluminum stretcher bars (instead of wood), durable Belgian linen (instead of cotton). Finally, I had the canvas professionally stretched by a local frame shop. It’s going to last for years!
The painting itself was mountainous in scope. Hours and hours on just small sections. The canvas ate paint by the tube! But it slowly came together. I probably hit each area of the painting a dozen times until I was satisfied.
I’m not going to lie. I was very intimidated by the size of this project. But I’m so proud of myself for pursuing and producing the finest work I could make. Thanks so much to my friends for their trust in me! This painting will be a centerpiece for their living room, and could be with them for generations. I am honored to have been a part of this!
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Note: What I described is my standard process for creating a commission. Everything is customized for your tastes, your home, and to ensure the quality of the work! Send me a note and let's get started on the centerpiece for your home!
"Fifty Foot Falls" is done and ready for your home!
I just completed this 16-inch by 24-inch oil painting of Fifty Foot Falls, the beautiful Arizona waterfall!
I did this painting in prep for the much-larger version (4-feet by 6-feet) that I just completed for my good friends.
Finally, I'm very proud of myself for this work. Earlier this year, I worked closely with my art mentor to retool my palette and color mixing. It was great to finally put these tools into practice!
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"CONTACT ME" to get 10% Off Your Next Commission!
Click "Contact Me" in the Menu Item and fill our your info to get 10% off your next commission.
I'll also sign you up for my newsletter, where you'll get the latest information on my new works and upcoming events!
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Commission Window Now Open!
Russel Fine Art is open for commissions! Order your own distinctive painting for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and other special occasions! A beautiful painting is a perfect gift to brighten up your home! ​
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News!
Gallery
Testimonials
Hear from My Wonderful Customers!
"I am so impressed by the work Mike Russel painted for me! I've been seeing Mike post his artwork on Facebook for many months now, and I knew I wanted to have one for myself! I asked Mike for a classic Texas landscape with flowers, oak trees, hillsides, streams, and maybe even a barn. I sent him several photos of similar paintings, and he sent several in return, as we traded ideas. In the end, Mike did a brilliant composition that captured everything I wanted. Love this painting! Thanks so much, Mike!"
John N,
Austin, Texas
"Michael painted a gorgeous 30x40 rendition of the Garden of the Gods for us. He gave us several smaller renditions to look at where we asked him to adjust for certain colors. He did a wonderful job and his painting sits with a place of honor on our living room wall. We love our painting!"
A.J. & Linda M,
O'Fallon, Illinois
"I love my Manitou Springs commission from Mike Russel (Russel Fine Art)! First, I asked Mike to paint something similar to another painting of his, and we worked closely together to make it perfect for my home and my tastes. I really enjoyed how he did those fast-moving videos, so I could see my painting being created in real time! His painting turned out wonderfully! Couldn't be happier with the experience!"
Carolyn B,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Information - Prices and Sizes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Oil Painting Commission - Prices & Process
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8x10-inch: $300
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11x14-inch: $550
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18x24-inch: $1,050
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24x30-inch: $1,750
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24x36-inch: $1,950
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30x30-inch: $2,150
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30x40-inch: $2,750
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36x48-inch: $3,950
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All prices include shipping in the continental United States
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Prices do not include sales tax
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For portraits, add $50 for each additional person in the painting.
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Fifty percent of the total cost will be due at signing, after which I will draw up to three sketches of your intended painting.
Additional sketches will incur additional $50 per sketch. After we agree on the sketch, I will begin your painting.
The balance of the payment will be due prior to shipment.
Here are several questions to think about:
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Where in the house would you like to display your original oil painting or pencil portrait?
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Based on the location, what size would you like? Note: Add about 2.5-3 inches per side, if you intend to have it framed.
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Do you want to match any colors in that room? Walls, furniture?
The sketching and painting process will take about four weeks. Since I paint with oils, the painting will take 3-6 months to sufficiently dry. I will then varnish the painting to a nice sheen, protecting the painting and bringing out the brilliant colors. Then the painting will be ready to ship!
Mike is now selling Prints & T-Shirts on Etsy!
Mike now has his Etsy shop, so you can purchase your own print of many of Mike's original work! Mike is even selling t-shirts - so many sizes and colors with separate mens and women's cuts. Prints and t-shirts are an affordable way of owning your own piece of Russel artwork!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusselFineArt
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About the Artist:
Michael J. Russel
My name is Mike Russel, and I am an impressionist artist. In the last couple years, since I moved back to my hometown of Colorado Springs, Colorado, I have unleashed my dormant passion for art. It’s been a long time coming…
I grew up as the youngest of seven kids wanting nothing more than to be an artist. As a kid, I drew comic book superheroes, and captured scenes from the Lord of the Rings, my favorite books. Although I would have loved to have gone to art school, I instead chose to follow my oldest brother’s path, attending the United State Air Force Academy and going into the Air Force. My goal was to be a pilot and fly around the world experiencing all its fantastic scenes, so that I could draw and paint them later. That’s what I did, traveling to five of seven continents. I’ve flown into combat, been to the poorest places in Africa, and met the most interesting and amazing people.
Through it all, I grabbed onto opportunities to do my art. A couple of art classes in college, and one during twenty-year my Air Force career. But years went by without another chance. Then my wife and I had the opportunity to move back to Colorado Springs, to where the mountains glow pink and purple in the morning sunrise. Seeing the light against those mountains, my passion came roaring back!
I am an impressionistic artist whose idols are Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Degas. My paintings involve sweeping brush strokes that portray movement and light. I am fascinated by forms and values, and how they bring shapes to life.
I am happily married to my best friend of 30+ years and we have two fantastic daughters. Together we are avid skiers, hikers, and sports nuts, especially for the Denver Broncos, St. Louis Cardinals, Air Force Falcons, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish!
I pour my passion into everything I do. Come let me create something truly special for your family!
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