donna russell Artist

Donna Russell often creates plein air drawings, paintings and pastels. Her artwork is found in homes in the localities of the subject matter. Her paintings are also inspired by photographs provided by clients.

a country field scene painted by donna russell author of a childs picture book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

a beach scene painted by donna russell author of a children's picture book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

a cat in a garden scene painted by donna russell author of a children's book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

a skier on a ski slope scene painted by donna russell author of a children's book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

The furniture Donna paints are often old family favorites, provided by her clients. She turns them into whimsical, personal conversation pieces that bring laughter and memories in their original homes.

childs cane chair painted by donna russell author of a children's book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

a painted merry go round horse by donna russell author of a children's book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

childs chair with painted giraffe by donna russell author a children's book titled Modupay Barbara Patricia LaRue

bio

Donna Russell began her writing career at 7 years old by publishing a weekly, penny-a-copy neighborhood newspaper. She also wrote, produced and starred in finger puppet plays which were performed in "Punch & Judy" style on a stage of cardboard & cellophane coffee cake boxes.

She majored in English literature and writing and spent a decade adapting college textbooks for deaf students. Her interest in world affairs led to writing Letters to the Editor and drawing political cartoons which were published in Gannett newspapers.

At 50 years old, Donna earned a Juris Doctor degree and contributed legal research to the Columbia Law Journal. She was also the Editor-in-Chief, cartoonist and poet of “The Brief”, the law school comedy-and-complaint-filled law school newspaper. She used her legal education to reduce recidivism by assisting women in prison obtain new skills that allowed them to remain unincarcerated. When released from prison the women were able to find employment, housing, health care, social services, financial stability and obtain child custody.

In her spare time, Donna wrote poetry and painted whimsical furniture. She began writing and illustrating her first children’s picture book, currently being completed.

Donna Russell’s portfolio

Aquinnah Cliffs: Wampanoag Tribe, 10,000 years on Martha's Vineyard

(Plein Air, colored pencil)
Linwood Gardens NY

(Plein Air, pastel)
On the Slopes

(Acrylic, from photo)
House Portrait - Bethlehem, PA

(Watercolor, from photo)
House Portrait - Lake Ontario South Shore

(Acrylic, from photo)