Russ Mardon

Background

Russ began painting in 2017 and it has become his passion and creative outlet. After completing a 30+ year career as a public health researcher, he now enjoys having more time for artistic work. In addition to the Arches Gallery at the Workhouse Arts Center, his paintings can be seen in Alexandria at the Art League’s Gallery 75 in the Torpedo Factory, and have been shown at Falls Church Arts, the Yellow Barn Studio, Del Ray Artisans and other local exhibit spaces. He lives in Falls Church, VA.

Artistic Philosophy

Russ Mardon’s goal with each painting is to create a compelling and realistic work of art that is both vivid and engaging while conveying a strong sense of place and perspective. His work often focuses on human-made structures, such as roads and buildings, set against richly textured natural landscapes. By emphasizing the contrast between these elements, his paintings draw the viewer into the scene, creating a dynamic sense of space and depth.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic on cotton and linen canvas, Russ draws inspiration from photographs taken during hikes in local parks and trails, as well as from his travels across the U.S. and abroad. His personal connection to the landscapes he paints adds an extra layer of meaning that he hopes resonates with viewers.

A distinctive feature of Russ’s work is his customized painted frames, which serve as an integral part of each piece. These frames highlight key colors in the artwork and, in some cases, extend the scene onto the frame itself, expanding the visual experience beyond the canvas.