PHOENIX —
Name:
Russ Cannizzaro
How did you get started in the Art or Music World?
I have been an Arizona artist since 1977. It was the beautiful southwest and our majestic state that inspired me to become a landscape artist.
I apprenticed with Warren Smith at the Kerner Gallery (Scottsdale, Arizona) for two years to learn the traditional representational style that I wanted to work in. In 1981, my work was represented by the prestigious Husberg Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona.
I also completed my Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Education from Arizona State University following my apprenticeship. Today, my work continues to be represented by some of the most prestigious galleries in the United States.
In 2014, I was selected by Governor Jan Brewer to create the Christmas Ornaments for our National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. In 2023, I completed O’ Holy Night which will be gifted to the Vatican Museum.
How would you describe yourself as an Artist?
I am a landscape artist working in the style of traditional representational art. My landscape paintings are also a historical record of the places I paint. With our climate crisis, our environment and landscapes that are our home are changing rapidly and many of the places I have painted throughout my lifetime no longer exist except in my body of work.
What is your favorite medium?
I work in oil paint on board. I prefer oil paints because they allow me to reproduce the rich earth tones we experience in our landscapes and visually experience every day. I work on board (tempered Masonite that is primed and coated with gesso) because it gives the painting longevity and protection over the years.
What motivates you to paint?
It is my love of nature and our beautiful state. I also travel for my work completing 125 trips in the last 16 years visiting 41 Countries. It is my personal experiences with these beautiful places on our planet that call me to share them with others, especially now as they are quickly disappearing.
What was the inspiration behind the piece selected to be featured as an Art Pop?
I am also a Christmas artist and many of my paintings are licensed for products such as greeting cards, holiday flags, jigsaw puzzles, etc. When I created O’ Holy Night! I had two goals in mind. First, the painting would be gifted to the Vatican and the Catholic Church to express my gratitude for my Faith and the blessings I have received throughout my life. Next, I wanted to create a painting that would remind all of us, of that incredible gift we all received, on that first Christmas day.
How can people find you?
From my website at www.artdecoranddesign.com By phone at 480-833-8094 Or by email at russcannizzaro@yahoo.com
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