Inspired by daily life Russ see subjects that allow him to capture and manipulate their composition to the simplest geometrical shape. Whether it is a person in water, people standing on the beach, or a headlight on an old truck; it is the geometrical shapes that intrigues him most.

Once Russ selects a subject, his goal is not to capture or represent it as a whole; but rather communicate the patterns, textures, colors, and energy that he see and feels within each creative composition. He selects the medium which allows him to portray what he sees, and feels on paper or canvas.

Working with watercolor allows him to depict the transparency, and bleeds of colors within patterns. And, using oils Russ can create another dimension of the shapes.
Ultimately, the paintings he creates are a series of basic forms, shapes, patterns, textures, and colors converging together.

Some may see a graphic design element or architectural feel within Russ' work, however, there is no conscious intention to communicate or express a subliminal message.
It is what it is, and he painted it because he liked the shapes.