About Jo-Ann’s Muse
‘Jo-Ann’s Muse’ – The Artworks of RUSSELL RISKO. This is another exploration of Irises. I find the contrast of the smooth, delicate flower petals versus the sharp sword-like leaves interesting. This rough vs. soft is further augmented by surface textures created via random passages of Absorbent Ground. Capturing the subject’s vague familiarity with quick brush strokes and sketch-like characteristics, while also employing varying measures of intuitive clairvoyance, this Expressionistic study blurs the lines between pure abstraction and impressionistic reality.
Not What Is, But What Could Be
In art, a study is a drawing, sketch or painting done in preparation for a finished piece, as visual notes, or as practice. [1] Studies are often used to understand the problems involved in rendering subjects and to plan the elements to be used in finished works, such as light, color, form, perspective and composition.[2] Studies can have more impact than more-elaborately planned work, due to the fresh insights the artist gains while exploring the subject. The excitement of discovery can give a study vitality. When layers of the work show changes the artist made as more was understood, the viewer shares more of the artist’s sense of discovery. (Wikipedia)
About the Artist
Russell Risko is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Fine Artist. During his 40-year career as a visual communicator, Russ achieved leadership roles as Art Director, Creative Director, Principal Partner and Ad Agency President. His work has appeared in countless regional, national and e-zine publications and website properties.
Today, Russ has entered the final chapter of his career, unfettered by the “need-it-yesterday” time constraints of the advertising and marketing world. Now in retirement, he has the opportunity to move beyond his commercial art past and exercise his fine art instincts, to give birth to new visual perspectives and to invest in the time necessary for such exploration.
Contact me on Instagram if you have any questions or interest in available artworks.