INTERVIEW: Russel Whitten | Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) Showcase Artist

Russel Whitten is an Ogunquit Art Association member-artist (Painter) and one of our 6 Showcase Artists at Barn Gallery for the 2023 Season.

Russel Whitten’s Showcase at Barn Gallery will run from September 13th – October 9th, 2023 with an Opening Reception on Saturday, September 23rd (from 4PM – 7:30PM) and a Gallery Talk (along with Painter, Pamela duLong Williams) on Thursday, September 21st, at 6 PM.

Learn more about the Barn Gallery 2023 Schedule: barngallery.org/2023-season

What is the theme of the body of work will you be exhibiting in your showcase?

“All of the work is from direct observation. “

How does this body of artwork relate to your earlier work?

I would like to think there’s a little more focus and maturity about the work but that’s for somebody else to determine. I think I am looking at things a little more intensely these days, with higher expectations before I even begin.

How do the materials you are using contribute to your exhibition theme?

Daily, for the last 20-plus years, I have been using and studying watercolor professionally. More than half of my show, if not all of my works will consist of watercolor. It is the medium I am most comfortable with so it only makes most sense to me to use this to best convey the vision or statement I’m deliberately after. I am not opposed to exploring other mediums or means of expression through unexplored applications. It’s possible works of this nature may find there way into my showcase. An element of surprise that might inspire me to create something else of said nature. Who knows.

Let’s talk, for a moment, about your artistic development.

To remark on my artistic development is difficult for me. Critically good, bad, or indifferent; I can see a change from as little as a year ago. I do sense, however, a greater development in my artistic mission. I am intrigued by mundane things, or parts of a greater place or structure, that provide for me a sense of belonging. For instance, as of late, I am focusing on smaller still life subjects that pertain to the place or landscape that I am visiting. Something like the chipped paint on a window’s sill on the Charles Ewing house in Biddeford Pool. The painting may or may now explain the place. What I find, for me at least, is when I look back on these paintings, I am transported back to that place and time. I hope to develop and pursue this mission.

Can you share a few comments about your past accomplishments and future goals.

I consider myself most fortunate. For nearly 20 years I have been showing with the Ogunquit Art Association and teaching — plus showing at local art institutions throughout Southern Maine. I have been able to maintain friendships with my colleagues that get stronger by the minute. My family and friends have supported me and my artistic mission all of my professional career; and for that I am grateful. I hope daily efforts will continue to provide prosperity for me and all those that have supported these efforts, proud.

Russel Whitten studied art at Maine College of Art, Heartwood College of Art and the Art Students League of New York. He is represented by The Wright Gallery in Cape Porpoise and is a member and showing artist with The Ogunquit Arts Association/Barn Gallery.

Russel has been teaching for 20 years at art institutions in Southern Maine including Rivertree Center for the Arts in Kennebunk, Sanctuary Arts in Eliot, Old Orchard Beach Adult Education, Wells Adult Education and The University of New England in Biddeford. His painting experience includes scenic artistry in theater painting at The Ogunquit Playhouse, Good Theater in Portland Maine, and Prescott Park, Portsmouth NH.

Artist Statement

“I sell my paintings and drawings to support my habit that people call art.“