by Taryn Alessandro
Hidden at the end of a narrow, unassuming alley at 145 Water Street in Stonington Borough lies the studio and gallery of Marine Artist Russ Kramer. Inside the studio by the water, located directly behind Grand & Water Anitiques, you can catch Russ working on his latest projects and chat with him about his process.
Although his career as a marine artist only began in 2002, Russ knew this is what he was meant to do since he was 15. Previously, Russ worked in the newspaper business as an artist, art director, senior editor and design consultant.
Recently, Russ, his wife, Laura, and four-year old son, Jack, moved to Stonington from Florida. What better place to be a marine artist than Stonington? History plays a huge role in Russ’ paintings, and being in the heart of one the oldest whaling ports, and so close to Mystic Seaport provides him with endless resources.
“It’s a journey,” Russ says about his process. “I go on voyages with my paintings. I research the history, learn a lot about the people and imagine what they must have been thinking. I feel like I’m sailing on these great boats in history,” he says. “My goal is to take viewers on this voyage with me.”
Russ is represented by the Mystic Maritime Gallery and the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery in Fairfield.
From September 30 through November 12, Russ will be exhibiting his newest painting at the 29th Annual International Marine Art Exhibit at the Mystic Maritime Gallery.
Russ enjoys giving talks and presentations to yacht clubs or other interested groups of people about yachting history and his painting process. To contact Russ, call 860.535.9373, email russ@russkramer.com, or visit www.russkramer.com.
