Samantha Russell was born in Sacramento, California, and moved to Portland, Oregon in 2011. She is currently studying Molecular Biology at Portland State University and pursues oil painting independently. Her interest in science influences her approach to art in that she views painting through a formulaic lens. The paintings usually focus on one or two static subjects. All paintings are executed in one sitting using a technique called alla prima (all in the first attempt), which involves mixing paints on the canvas rather than the pallet all while the paint is still wet and malleable. This technique can yield unpredictable results due to the fluid nature of oil paints and the way the translucent colors settle together. She attempts to create works that are straightforward studies on light, color and texture. Future aspirations include merging science and art, either through illustrating for biology textbooks or providing artwork for wildlife foundations. In the meantime her work is primarily commission based.
Samantha Russell
