About
Russell Copenharve was born in 1951 and joined the Arts of Life in 2012. He is a prolific painter who frequently makes small series of themed paintings before embarking on a new theme. Though themes may vary, the design principle of movement shines throughout. Motion is portrayed in his landscape paintings through the element of water. In his abstract works, lines and shapes create directional forces that precipitate movement.
“The water moves and the water is going back and forth, splashing. The sky is dark. Different colors. I like it. I show people the waterfall.”
Copenharve’s saturated color palettes create tension through the juxtaposition of disparate hues that vibrate in tandem. These values permeate his work in unexpected ways, portraying nuances of shifting light.
“It makes me feel good inside because I like to draw. I like to draw different things—every month something different. It keeps me busy. It makes me happy.”
A longstanding member of our North Shore studio, Copenharve has a deep body of work which he continues to develop with intention. In addition to attending and participating in studio art fairs and festivals, he is a member of the poetry group and a singer for the North Shore studio band VanGoGo. His artwork has also been featured on studio merchandise.
Selected Exhibits
The Other Art Fair
Mana Contemporary, Chicago, IL - 2019
A is for Artist
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Chicago, IL - 2017
Permanent Collection
The Waisman Foundation, Madison, WI - 2017
