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!