American 1966 - 

Western painter G. Russell Case is inspired by nature, but he places little value on literal translations.  His sweeping, idealized versions of the western landscape are compositions that combine the beauty of the natural world with the rich imagination and originality of an artist’s mind. While there is an unmistakable honesty present in his painted environments -- stemming from his engagement with the land painted directly from nature -- viewers may be reminded of other great artists of the West, whose work is marked by distinctive artistic philosophies. Case’s work is unfettered by philosophy and intellect, though he is surely a student of his artistic forebears. The monumental scale of Maynard Dixon, or the unfiltered color and light of Thomas Moran both find their way into his visual language. Yet Case’s work is simple, pure, and fresh; his painting draws in the viewer and delivers timeless landscapes. We are immediately transported into a world created by shadow and light, of immense vistas punctuated by jagged mountains and inhabited by lonesome cowboys. Although Russell Case was undoubtedly stirred by the philosophies of the great artists and fueled by the freedom of painting from nature, this artist maintains that his most profound inspiration came from those in his own life who bolstered his career and remained faithful to his vision.

Born in the small town of Brigham City, Utah, Russell Case’s artistic enthusiasm was first fostered by his father, Garry Case, who was also an artist. His father encouraged Russell’s artistic talents and helped him seek exposure through marketing and local galleries. For fifteen years the younger Case translated his surroundings into watercolor, creating a foundation for the liquid vibrancy found in his later oils. This transition developed during his college years, where Case studied with the intent to become a professor of art. After graduating from Utah State University in 1990 and with the support of his wife, Susanne, Case decided to dedicate himself to painting full-time. Case’s work eventually attracted the attention of avid collector Dr. Mike Edson and his wife Karen. Case credits Edson as being a major factor in his success due to his attentive monitoring of the young artist’s progress: his vigilant observation, unwavering support, and learned guidance helped develop Case’s talent and channel his artistic energy.

Around the year 2000, fine art dealers Paul Bingham, who had purchased the estate of Maynard Dixon, and Jeff Mitchell developed a friendship and partnership with Case and launched Case into the national spotlight.  He began getting attention from prominent collectors, dealers, and major invitational art shows.

Since hitting the national spotlight, G. Russell Case has been invited by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum to be in the prestigious Prix de West group of artists.  He has also been honored with the Best in Show at the Coors Western Art Show.  Having gathered the moniker “the Maynard Dixon of the 21stcentury”, Case has cemented himself as one of the great contemporary western painters of our time. 

Invitational Exhibitions:

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum– Prix de West
The National Museumof Wildlife Art - Western Visions Show
Maynard Dixon Country  - Invitation Show and Sale
Coors Western Art Show - Denver’s largest art invitational
Honored asFeatured Artist - 2010   

Source: Astoria Fine Arts