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About

Simone Russell, a contemporary landscape painter based in Middlesbrough, North East England, possesses a lifelong passion for art. From an early age, Simone immersed herself in creative endeavors, dedicating countless hours to crafting and painting. Her innate talent for texture and color became evident as she meticulously studied natural forms, such as shells and flowers, revealing a keen eye for detail.

 

As Simone matured, her love for art continued to flourish. She pursued a degree in Printed Textiles at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art, refining her skills in creating visually captivating compositions. Simone's creativity and meticulous attention to detail proved invaluable as she embarked on a successful career in retail. She now co-owns two thriving lifestyle shops in London, renowned for their exquisite visual merchandising.

 

Currently, Simone is engrossed in a new series of atmospheric landscape paintings. These artworks draw inspiration from the talented painters of the Romantic period, a period that deeply resonates with Simone. She delves into the popular paintings that adorned the walls of her home during her formative years, with artists like Turner and Constable leaving a profound influence on her work. Their ability to capture the captivating beauty of landscapes has left an indelible mark on the art world, and Simone aims to pay homage to their legacy through her own artistic expression.

 

To convey a timeless quality in her paintings, Simone employs thin applications of oil paint using brushes, pours, and spills. She skillfully builds fine layers of glazes, creating a sense of air, light, and translucency that allows the past layers to remain visible. This technique enables viewers to forge a connection with the past while appreciating it through a contemporary lens. By combining this approach with modern mark-making and processes, Simone infuses the essence of both the past and the present into her work.

 

The juxtaposition of traditional Romantic elements and contemporary artistic techniques creates a compelling visual dialogue between different eras. This dialogue invites viewers to reflect on the allure of the past while engaging with it from a fresh and modern perspective. The resulting series of paintings aims to capture the essence of both the past and the present, evoking a sense of nostalgia while offering a contemporary interpretation. Simone Russell's artwork invites viewers to embark on a journey through time and explore the beauty of landscapes in a unique and thought-provoking way.

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My other life

Alongside my art practice I have co owned a successful retail business in London for 23 years.  Verandah began its journey in Notting Hill.  As the business expanded we moved to two larger premises in Kensal Rise and Kensal Green.  Owning shops put me at the heart of the community.  Meeting and building friendships with those people has been a constant source of nourishment.  Designing the looks for the shops, creating innovative window displays and curating products from all over the world has fine tuned my eye for colour and composition.

Exhibitions

The Other Art Fair, Truman Brewery, London.   7 - 10 Mar 2024

The Other Art Fair, Truman Brewery, London.   12 - 16 Oct 2023

99 ProjectsGallery, London.  'My Local' Group show.  27 Jan - 18 Feb 2023

WWW Gallery, London.  Group show.  1 - 31 Dec 2022

Stokey Pop Up, London. 'Conversations In Colour' hosted by Pilgrims Contemporary. 10 - 14 Nov 2022

The Other Art Fair, Truman Brewery, London.  13 - 16 Oct 2022

Willesden Gallery London. Solo show 'Romancing Medium'  10 - 21 May 2022

Willesden Gallery, London.  Group show 'Locked Unlocked'  6-17 July 2021

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