Russell was born by the sea in Grimsby, Lincolnshire in 1947. From an early age he learned to draw from his father who was an accomplished amateur artist. Apart from this he is a self-taught painter starting with watercolour but now prefers working in oil or acrylic.

Up until his mid-forties he was a professional musician touring the world initially in a “prog-rock” band & later as a backing musician for shows/cabaret. He then worked in the picture framing industry until being made redundant at the age of 59, enabling him time to develop his love of painting.

He has lived in Devon for the last 30 years – an ideal location for exploring the coastline, estuaries & harbours of the West Country – his preferred painting subjects - & regularly exhibits in exhibitions & galleries in Devon & Cornwall as well as giving workshops/demonstrations to art groups.

He is Exhibition Secretary for “Plymouth Watercolour” and a member of “Drawn to the Valley” both long established & respected art societies.