Diane Russell was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.  She began to paint while attending Portland State University, and studied illustration at Parsons School of Design in New York.  After graduating she returned to Oregon, where she has lived and worked as a professional artist for almost 30 years.  Diane began her professional career as a fashion illustrator, during which time her art has evolved towards portraiture.  Many of her paintings reflect her passion for music and dance, as well as people from all walks of life.  Her portraits capture more than a likeness, they bring to light the inner soul.  She paints from her own photographs, capturing the moment first with the camera, then later on canvas.  Diane paints with oil, using a solvent free medium of walnut oil and natural alkyds, which she applies in many thin layers to achieve the vibrant and translucent color in her paintings.

Clients include the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, the Blues Foundation, Pendleton Woolen Mills, and Palmer/Pletsch Publications.  Her work  appears on the 2005 W.C. Handy Blues Awards poster, CD and book covers, and in private and corporate collections across the country.  Diane is a member of the Portrait Society of America, the Blues Foundation, the Cascade Blues Association, and the Jazz Society of Oregon.

RECENT AWARDS

2007 Painter’s Showcase Annual Exhibition
FIRST PLACE (Glen Moore)
2007 Lake Oswego Art Festival
JURORS AWARD
2006 Painters Showcase Annual Exhibition
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD (Reggie Houston )
2005 Painters Showcase Annual Exhibition
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD(Mel Brown)
2004 Portrait of a Woman Exhibit
HONORABLE MENTION(Bettye Lavette)

SELECTED COMMISSIONS

2007 Legendary Blues Cruise
OFFICIAL 2007 PACIFIC CRUISE POSTER
2006 First Tech Credit Union
MEMORIAL PORTRAIT (Michael Osborne)
2005 The Blues Foundation
W.C. HANDY BLUES AWARDS POSTER & PROGRAM (Pinetop Perkins)