{"title":"Russ Mardon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"max-height: 300px; max-width:55%\" src=\"https:\/\/helloart-prod-bucket.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/media\/artist\/russ-mardon\/russ-mardon-profile.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI began painting about nine years ago as I was nearing the end of a decades-long career as a public health researcher, and it has become a daily practice. To make a compelling painting takes a great idea and the follow through to bring the idea to completion to the best of my abilities. Every part of the process benefits from thought, practice, and devotion. \r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eI recently completed a Fine Arts degree at Northern Virginia Community College. My work can be seen in ongoing exhibits at the Arches Gallery in the Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton VA, and Gallery 75 at the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA, as well as in monthly juried exhibits in the DC region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eARTIST’S STATEMENT\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy goal with each painting is to create a vivid and realistic piece of art that is beautiful and engaging,  while also conveying a strong sense of place and perspective.  I often focus on scenes that feature human-made structures—such as a road or building— in a beautiful, natural landscape, rich in patterns of color, shape, and texture. These paintings draw the viewer into the scene by creating a sense of space, highlighting the differences in shape and design between the human-made and natural elements. I use the palette knife, instead of or in addition to brushwork, to create eye-catching textures that bring interest to the surface of the painting itself. \r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eI work with oil and acrylic paint on cotton and linen canvas. Many of my ideas are drawn from photographs I have taken on hikes at local parks and trails, as well as travels in the U.S. and abroad.  My personal connection to the paintings gives them extra meaning that I hope resonates with others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/helloart.com\/collections\/russ-mardon.oembed","provider":"helloart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}