Oil on linen, 18×24”
SOLD

Artist comment: I waited a very long time to be able to photograph Willie Nelson, and several years ago I finally had my chance. This painting is the result of the photos that I took at the 2008 Oregon State Fair. There are so many photographs and artworks created of this great musician, that I was a little intimidated about doing a painting of him, so the photo I chose to use was a little different than most others I have seen… with just a touch of a smile. The intricacies of his face were both challenging and wonderful to paint, and I am hoping that I did him justice.

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 this painting pays tribute to the Mardi Gras Indians, representing New Orleans (the second port stop of the cruise). The ship also stops at Key West Florida (for Fantasy Fest), and Progreso Mexico (Mayan Ruins). This is the official poster for the October 2013 Fantasy/Big Easy/Mayan cruise. To find out more about the Legendary Blues Cruise, visit their website at www.bluescruise.com.

Oil on linen, 24×24”
$3000

 
Artist comment: This painting was commissioned by Patrick Lamb for his CD “Heavenly Brother” in 2007. It was a collaboration of ideas that resulted in this artwork, which speaks to one love, one people, one race. Performed by the NW Gospel Project, the CD was produced to benefit the Williams Allen Scholarship Fund. Northwest Gospel Project artists include: The Brown Sisters, Linda Hornbuckle, Patrick Lamb, Julianne-Johnson Weiss, Liv Warfield, Janice Scroggins, Kirk Green, Thurtis Channel, and more. Listen to the CD at Apple Music

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

Artist comment: When I found out that Little Richard was playing at the Bite in Portland in 2005, I was so excited to photograph him. I had always been a fan, but had never had a chance to see him live. He was 73 at the time, and the performance was amazing. At one point, he even had the audience up on stage dancing along with him. I had so many photos to choose from, but this one said it all!

Oil on linen, 18×24”
SOLD

Limited edition prints are available
15″x20″- $150

Artist comment: This painting of Art Abrams was created as part of a series I am doing for the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall of Fame inductees. Art began his career as a teenager in the midst of the big band era. His whole life has revolved around music, whether it is playing, listening or teaching. His band, The Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band, can be heard all over the Portland, Oregon area. Art is also one of KMHD’s most popular DJ’s. So it is no wonder that he was inducted into JSO’s Hall of Fame in 2009.

Oil on linen, 18×24”
SOLD

Artist comment: The first time I heard Nancy King sing, she was playing with Glen Moore, and I knew I was listening to something special. The two of them were magic together so it was only fitting that once I painted Glen, I had to paint Nancy as well. She has been referred to as “one of the best singers that ever walked the planet” and I have to agree. I could listen to her sing all day. I took this photo of her early in 2009 at a small venue in Portland, Oregon, and I knew when I saw it that it was the right one for the painting.

Oil on linen, 24×36”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Obo Addy was taken from my photograph of his performance with Thara Memory and the Portland Festival Symphony in Portland’s Washington Park in 2005. Born in Ghana, and well known worldwide, Obo Addy was one of the key originators of “Worldbeat” music. Besides being a master drummer, composer, and teacher, he also founded the Homowo African Arts and Cultures Organization (now the Obo Addy Legacy Project). Obo Addy passed away in September 2012, but his Legacy Project continues with his vision of focusing on creating, performing, and teaching African Arts.

Oil on linen, 18×24”
SOLD

Artist comment: This painting of Curtis Salgado was taken from my photograph of his performance at the Waterfront Blues Festival in the summer of 2006 in Portland, Oregon. At the time, he was waiting for a liver transplant, and it was amazing to me that he could perform like this under those conditions. However I believe it was his music that kept him alive until his transplant a few months later. Curtis has now recovered and his performances seem to have elevated to an even higher level.

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.