Literature:

Corriel, Michele, “Ones to Watch; Spotlighting the works of April Surgent, Matthew Monahan and G. Russell Case.” Western Art & Architecture. Premier Issue (Fall 2007). 26.

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. It comes as little surprise that Case’s work eventually attracted the attention of 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 dealer Paul Bingham became acquainted with Case and developed into an invaluable force in the success of the young artist’s career. Bingham, a dealer from San Jose who had purchased the estate of Maynard Dixon, developed a friendship and partnership with Case and became his exclusive representation. The dynamic partnership launched Case’s exposure to the national level, and he began getting attention from collectors and dealers, including a very influential contact – gallery owner Jeff Mitchell in Scottsdale, Arizona. With Mitchell’s help, Case gained even more exposure, attracting the notice of other galleries, including the Gerald Peters Gallery.

Today, Russell Case’s work is represented in galleries including Astoria Fine Art in Jackson, WY;  Michael Hollis Fine Art & Antiques in South Pasadena, CA; David Ericson Fine Art in Salt Lake City, UT; Bingham Gallery in Mt. Carmel, UT; Gerald Peters Gallery in Santa Fe, NM; Overland Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ; and Mitchell Brown Fine Art in Scottsdale. Case has also won numerous awards including 2010 Featured Artist Coors Show, Dixie Inviatational 2010 3rd Place Oil, Best of Show and First Place Oil Painting, Phippen Western Art Show in Prescott, Arizona in 2001; First Place at Southwest Magazine Artist to Watch Show in Steam Boat Springs, Colorado in 2002; and Best of Show, People’s Choice, and Artist’s Choice, Maynard Dixon Country, Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah in 2003. Among the shows that Case has been invited to in the last few years are the Western Visions show in Jackson, WY; Coors Western Art Exhibition, Denver, CO.; and Maynard Dixon Country, Mt. Carmel.

Russell Case now resides in Brigham City, Utah with his wife, Susanne and two of his children Morgan, and Cooper with the oldest Taylee living in Salt Lake City.