A color study is much like a "test run" for a larger painting. Painting the image first on a small scale allows Russell to spot any potential problems that might arise with composition, color and shading. Working out problems on a smaller scale allows him to do so in a matter of hours rather than the days or weeks that it would take on a larger painting. By devoting a few extra hours for creating a color study Russell is able to save himself a lot of time that would be otherwise wasted on decision making and corrrection during the painting of the final version.

Sometimes my studies amount to nothing more than a few strokes of color on a piece of masonite. More often than not, though, the studies turn out well enough that they become works of art in and of themselves. When that happens, they are posted here for sale. Below is a list of color studies which are currently available.

Available Color Studies

Color study for Strähle's Broken Bird
11” x 14 ”, oil on masonite, unframed
SOLD