Russell Gordon: Instinct & Order

In this striking new series, Russell Gordon takes animal portraiture to the next level. He transcends whimsy and enters the realm of myth, painting each figure not as a caricature, but as a noble character imbued with gravitas and wit. These are not simply animals dressed as humans; they are dignified citizens of a parallel history, rendered with extraordinary realism and narrative depth. Join us for the opening reception and experience this compelling body of work in person.

About the Artist:

Russell Gordon is a realist painter best known for his richly detailed still-life compositions. As a child, Gordon first discovered a love for drawing while copying the illustrations of John James Audubon. Eager to learn more about native bird species, he often explored the woods near his home, sketching directly from life. Today, bird observation offers him a vital connection to nature and a break from the controlled environment of the studio. Living and working in rural upstate New York, he finds endless inspiration in the landscape and its feathered inhabitants.

Gordon received classical training at the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed a rigorous atelier program. He went on to apprentice for three years with painter Will Wilson, further refining his academic technique. Deeply influenced by the later still-life works of Northern Renaissance painters, Gordon brings a high level of virtuosity to his practice. He stretches his own canvases, handcrafts many of his frames, and even grinds his own pigments—often using Maroger Medium to achieve a luminous, layered surface.

Whether painting floral arrangements, birds, or vanitas compositions, Gordon’s work is characterized by its jewel-like precision and dramatic use of chiaroscuro. While grounded in the traditions of the Dutch Masters, his paintings maintain a contemporary sensibility, blending classical technique with moments of whimsy, freshness, and timeless elegance.