Russell Recchion

Russell Recchion’s paintings can be found in collections in Europe and across the United States. He has painted professionally for more than 30 years. Among those who have commissioned him as a portrait painter are corporate executives, physicians, university presidents and deans, judges, and philanthropists.

Russ grew up just outside Pittsburgh. As an elementary school student, he attended the highly regarded Tam O’Shanter art classes at the Carnegie Museum. He graduated in 1974 from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and began a career as an advertising artist. A semester abroad in Italy, during his time at the Art Institute, convinced Russ that he wanted to be a fine art painter.

Pursuing his passion, Russ enrolled in the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following the traditions of the Academy’s founder, renowned artist Charles Wilson Peale, Russ immersed himself in the study of traditional American oil portrait painting. Russ drew inspiration from such celebrated early artists as Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Cecilia Beaux, and Thomas Eakins.

Today, Russ is a highly sought out portrait painter and continues to enjoy painting landscapes, seascapes, and still life.

Moving to Tucson, Arizona, in 2000 with his family has led to an impressive body of work depicting the American Southwest and capturing the beauty and amazing colors of desert landscapes, mountains, cowboys, and Native Americans. Much of this collection can be found in his recently-released book (2019) entitled Russell Recchion: Collected Works.

Russ’s absolute dedication to the study of color and light and his work alongside iconic mentors such as Nelson Shanks, a commissioned portrait artist of the Vatican and Royal Family, has led to his use, achieved by few, of oil colors that bring a richness and realness to his paintings.

The versatility of Russell Recchion’s talent has enabled him to create a brand-new series of Naval Aviation Art as he continues to win awards with his portrait work.

The combination of Russ’s dedication to detail and his bold use of colors brings to life on canvas the naval spirit that cannot be expressed through words. Once discovered, these one-of-a-kind fine art paintings will mean so much to so many.