Oil on linen, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Reggie Houston was inspired by my photograph taken at the Hurricane Katrina Benefit in Portland in 2005. Reggie was accompanying Tom D’Antoni’s reading of his essay titled “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans.” Reggie, who is from New Orleans and has played with greats like Fats Domino, was overcome by emotion halfway through the reading and when he started to cry, I caught the moment on film. Reggie moved to Portland a year before Katrina and brought the music and soul of New Orleans with him, so for the painting, I placed Reggie on Frenchmen Street just outside Snug Harbor where he used to play a weekly gig. A closer look will reveal Tom’s hat on Reggie’s collar. I hope for the painting to communicate that the music will go on through anything, including the tragedy of Katrina.  Visit Reggie’s website to read his touching commentary about the painting and his Katrina experience, titled “La Petite Fleur”:  Reggie Houston

Oil on linen, 18×24”
$2500
To purchase, email diane@dianerussell.net

Artist comment: This painting of Mel Brown was taken from my photographs of his weekly performances at both Jimmy Mak’s and Salty’s in Portland Oregon. Mel is an accomplished musician and educator. While well known in Portland, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, he was a session musician for many Motown Records artists including Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. Mel always seems to be thoroughly enjoying his performances, which is why I chose to use a photograph that best communicated his joyful presence.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Jimmy Mak’s is a tribute to Portland, Oregon’s favorite jazz mecca.  Sadly, after twenty years, the club closed on December 31, 2016, followed by Jimmy’s passing just one day later.  Jimmy built his club into one of the world’s best places to hear jazz, combining local and national talents, and I was proud to have my artwork featured on the walls. The entire music community in Portland is mourning his loss, but there is hope for the club to re-open in the future, carrying on Jimmy’s twenty year legacy.   The featured musicians, patrons and staff, including Jimmy himself, are clockwise from left:  Jim Makarounis, Lisa Boyle, JD Stubenberg, Janice Scroggins, Tony Pacini, Dan Balmer, Ed Bennett, Mel Brown, Louis Pain, Eddie Martinez, Patrick Lamb, Renato Caranto, Thara Memory, Linda Hornbuckle, Bobby Torres. Balcony from left to right: Stan Bock, Warren Rand, Derek Sims.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
$4000
To purchase, email diane@dianerussell.net

Artist comment: This painting of Darrell Grant is a tribute to one of the youngest artists to be named to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall of Fame. He is an accomplished pianist, composer, educator, and an innovator who has made a great contribution to the jazz community, most notably establishing a degree program in jazz studies at Portland State University.

Oil on linen, 18×24”
Not for sale

Artist comment: Born on July 7, 1913, Pinetop Perkins played with Muddy Waters for twelve years, and was one of the last great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen still performing when he passed away on March 21, 2011 at the age of 97. Many attribute his long life to his love of McDonalds, cigarettes, his music, and, of course, the ladies. He was quite the character, which is why this painting of him is not of his performance, but rather of him giving me the “thumbs up”. Pinetop received three Grammy awards, the latest just a month before he died.

Oil on linen 24×30”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting was commissioned by the Legendary Blues Cruise which offers two fully chartered cruises a year, one to the Mexican Riviera and one to the Eastern Carribean. The theme of the painting reflects the festive atmosphere of the cruise, complete with musicians and the crowd under the moonlit sky. This painting is the official poster for the October 2007 Mexican Riviera cruise. To find out more about Legendary Blues Cruise, visit their website at www.bluescruise.com.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Taj Mahal was taken from my photograph of his performance at the 2003 Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon. He seems bigger than life on stage, and the photo I chose for the painting seemed to capture his presence. The palm trees in the background reflect the global roots music from around the world that he incorporates into his traditional acoustic blues music. Visit www.tajblues.com for more information on Taj Mahal.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
$3000
To purchase, email diane@dianerussell.net

Artist comment: This painting of Bettye Lavette was taken from several of my photographs of her performance at the 2003 Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon. She is an amazing soul singer, pouring her heart into each song she sings. The photographs I chose to use for the painting seemed to capture her emotions on stage, and the power within to rise up from the deepest despair. To see and read about her powerful performances at the Kennedy Center Honors and the Obama Inaugural Celebration, visit www.bettyelavette.com.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Clarence Gatemouth Brown was taken from my photograph of his performance at the 2002 Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon. I painted the sunset into the background to represent the timelessness of his music and his determination to continue to perform even as the end of his life neared. He was one of the best to have ever played what he called “American music, Texas style”. Clarence Gatemouth Brown passed away in September 2005 in Orange, Texas, and this painting is featured on his headstone.

Acrylic on canvas, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of B.B. King was taken from several of my photographs of his concert with Buddy Guy in the summer of 2000 in Portland, Oregon. The “King of the Blues” has been performing for over 50 years, and received a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 1987. He is such an animated performer, often moving very fast when he plays, so I chose to communicate the energy and delight of his performance by using multiple images in my painting.