Russell Copenharve

Studio Member since 2012

b.1951

A prolific painter, Russell Copenharve works with equal parts curiosity and confidence. His method is well-honed over time as he moves through subject matter via small series of themed paintings, and then embarks on his next theme. Old themes revolve and new emerge but he remains true to his well-established reductive aesthetic.

He moves easily between abstraction, realism and surrealism in his artwork. This fluidity manifests in playful works that are expressive and straightforward—much like his artistic ambition.

“I am an artist. I want more history about me. Talk about me. How I’m doing. Talk about art history about me. Outside people know I’m a good artist. Show people my artwork in the community.”

Copenharve’s saturated color palettes create tension through the juxtaposition of disparate hues that vibrate in tandem. He gravitates toward warm values that permeate his work in unexpected ways, portraying nuances of shifting light.

“I enjoy it because I like to do art. Make me feel good. I like draw hearts. I like to paint—draw. I’m good artist. I like it because it’s best for me. I want to keep arting and drawing and paint.”

A longstanding member of our North Shore studio, Copenharve is a member of the agency poetry group and a singer for the North Shore studio band VanGoGo. His artwork has also been featured on studio merchandise.

Check out Russell’s 2021 Artist of the Month interview here and 2018 Artist of the Month interview here.