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P. Craig Russell

Art Analysis

What does P. Craig Russell do, and why is it so good?

Russell's art works because he uses a specific style and sticks with it. Not only that, but he is very picky about his projects and chooses those that play perfectly to his strengths. This style is not everyone's cup of tea, nor is it suitable for every story. But no illustrator can beat Russell at it.

Art Nouveau

Russell is most influenced by Art Nouveau, which is defined as "A style of decoration and architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized particularly by the depiction of leaves and flowers in flowing, sinuous lines." Think of the Paris Metro signs. Russell's art is reminiscent of Alphonse Mucha and Maxfield Parish (images at right.) In fact, he specializes in many of the same subjects they are known for:

1) The Sinuous Figure

P. Craig Russell figure

Russell's figures are perfectly outlined, with no distracting filler or crosshatching. They are long limbed and muscular. The men and women both are graceful. This made him a perfect choice to draw angels in Murder Mysteries.

P. Craig Russell angel

2) Clouds

P. Craig Russell clouds

Russell's clouds are three-dimensional and active. Like the rest of his art, they're well-defined with crisp edges. You'd think this wouldn't work for clouds, but somehow it does.

3) Water

P. Craig Russell water

Water by Russell is spectacular. Much of his Ring of the Nibelung happens in, over, and around water. Look how every drop and wave is delineated, like a stop-motion photograph.

P. Craig Russell ocean

4) Arabesque & Filigree

P. Craig Russell statue

Arabesque doesn't just mean in the Arabic style, though Russell mastered that in Ramadan. (below) Russell also puts a ton of detail into architecture and decoration of all sorts.

P. Craig Russell Arabia

5) Trees, Leaves & Plants

P. Craig Russell jungle

A Batman story about Poison Ivy was the first work of Russell's that I read, and it was because of his elegant plant drawings.

6) Fantasy

P. Craig Russell fantasy

An affinity for fantasy is why Russell works so well with Neil Gaiman. Look at the little creatures above, or the magical energies soaring through the air below.

P. Craig Russell Sandman

 

 

 

‹ P. Craig Russell

Mucha Joan of Arc
Mucha

Mucha
Mucha

Mucha Job
Mucha

Mucha
Mucha

Maxfield Parish
Parish

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