Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Slocum.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2014, at the age of 65, I stepped away from the business world to make my life-long hobby of painting landscapes a full-time profession. In transitioning to a full-time artist, I retired from a 40-year career in advertising as an agency owner, creative director and copywriter. During that stretch I had also kept a hand in freelance writing, publishing articles in The New York Times Magazine, Playboy and Atlantic, and writing two dozen children’s story-coloring books. In 2011, I co-authored The Bit Ching Book of Change, a modern interpretation of the ancient I Ching.
With this new venture into fine art, in 2015 I joined Art Plus Gallery, a non-profit cooperative of 25 local artists who shared expenses and responsibilities to operate a small gallery in West Reading, Pennsylvania. I’ve been co-director there since then, and have watched the gallery grow into one of the most respected in the region. I’m still painting landscapes of Pennsylvania and Maine, and now represented by galleries in Maine and West Chester as well as by Art Plus.
Painting and helping to run the gallery is nearly a full-time occupation, averaging six hours a day. Hourly rate-wise it may not look like a great-paying gig, but it is unquestionably the most enjoyable and gratifying one I’ve ever had.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having been involved in many marketing, business and strategic plans during my advertising years, I was drafted by the membership to develop a plan to elevate the image of Art Plus to that of a serious gallery. The talent was there, the atmosphere was not. Poor lighting and worn carpet remained from the rental space’s previous life as a balloon shop. The logo was tired and internet presence was minimal.
We coordinated the carpentry, tech and other skills of members, spouses and friends to create a new image and website. We remodeled the space to include professional gallery lighting, hardwood-like floors, a small gift shop, and a featured exhibit area that could spotlight a different member each month.
In 2015, West Reading was beginning to emerge as a cultural, dining and boutique shopping destination for the region. We partnered with the Community Revitalization Foundation to launch Plein Air West Reading. Now in its 11th year, this annual fine art competition has grown to become a major event that draws accomplished artists from all over the East.
Behind the scenes, we updated the bylaws, instituted annual business and marketing plans, and formalized over 20 committees for all members to apply and pursue their interests. For a self-run non-profit with no paid staff and a minimal operating budget, the gallery runs as smoothly as many private sector companies I’ve dealt with over the years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always enjoyed creating. It was something I did virtually every day as an ad agency owner, copywriter and creative director. Vacations usually included bringing paints to do a few landscapes along the way, with additional supplies for our son and his cousins as they got old enough. If I wasn’t painting, I usually had a woodworking or hardscape project going.
I try to paint every day, still focusing on landscapes. Most are of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Mid-Coast Maine. I work mostly in oils, occasionally with pastels. Whenever practical, I begin my paintings on site, spending 2-3 hours absorbing the soul and details that you can’t get from photo. Many of my painting are done on site–en plein air–at least in part. The rest are done in the studio from my own photos and sketches.
My style of painting varies, driven by the subject. I don’t try to paint literally what I see. I try to capture the feeling evoked by that particular place and time. Stylistically that might end up leaning toward Impressionism, Realism, Hudson River School, Andrew Wyeth or something completely different. It’s usually not a rigid decision at the outset, more often just where the heart of the setting takes me.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a rebellious kid growing up in the 1960s, settled down somewhat after getting married in 1972, and a lot after our son arrived in 1985.
Pricing:
- 9 x 12″ paintings are generally in the $250-400 range
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.russellslocum.com
- Instagram: russ_slocum_art
- Facebook: Russell Slocum
Image Credits
Personal photo by Ann Slocum
Waterfall painting photo by Karen Weber
