Born in Cedar City, Utah, G. Russell Case was heavily influenced to paint by his father, an accomplished artist in his own right who spent most of his career as a graphic illustrator for the federal government. In high school and throughout Case’s years of formal studies, his audience of influence grew. At Snow College, in rural central Utah, Osral Allred and Carle Purcell helped guide his brush forward as he continued in study at Utah State University, beginning in the 1980s. Professors Harrison Groutage, Everett Thorpe, Gaell Lindstrom, Moishe Smith and Glenn Edwards powered the art department by their classical passion for art, fueling Case’s passion and confidence that would later outway the risks of pursuing painting full-time.
It was from there that Case made his living as a watercolor artist. Nearly 30 years later, in 1999 he transitioned into oil paints that would prove to accelerate his career and the demand for his work.
Case paints directly from the created landscape, trying to record color and light. And his studio compositions are derived from thoughts recorded outdoors. The philosophy of his work leans to that of Robert Henri — to paint the emotions and the inner poetry of the subject, not to merely be bound by literal translations. Russell tries to record with direct strokes, the composition, color and emotion that he finds.
Case resides in northern Utah with his wife of 37 years, Susanne, and son, Cooper. He has been blessed to witness the union of both his daughters, Taylee and Morgan, to men of faith, Nick and Dane. And what joy has been found for Case to be blessed with five grandchildren: Afton, Samuel, Jacob, Henry and Peter.
