Stephen M. Russ
Fine Art
https://www.stephenmruss.com/home
Our Lady of Victory Basilica- 26 x 30
1924-1925
The Basilica was the vision of Father Nelson Baker to pay homage to the Blessed Mother. Father Baker is interned in the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes inside the Basilica. The Basilica was designated a minor Basilica by apostolic decree from Pope Pius XII in 1926.
1924-1925
The Basilica was the vision of Father Nelson Baker to pay homage to the Blessed Mother. Father Baker is interned in the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes inside the Basilica. The Basilica was designated a minor Basilica by apostolic decree from Pope Pius XII in 1926.
Bison in the Buffalo Central Terminal- 21 x 28
A full-sized of a bison made of painted plaster replaced the original “stuffed” Bison that stood in the concourse of the Buffalo Central Terminal until 1945. This Bison was destroyed shortly after the terminal was closed in 1977.
The original “Stuffy the Buffalo” still exists at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
A full-sized of a bison made of painted plaster replaced the original “stuffed” Bison that stood in the concourse of the Buffalo Central Terminal until 1945. This Bison was destroyed shortly after the terminal was closed in 1977.
The original “Stuffy the Buffalo” still exists at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Artist Statement
Hello. My name is Stephen Russ. I am a pencil artist specializing in graphite pencil drawings of mainly classic Buffalo
architecture on heavy acid-free paper.
I begin by taking several photographs of the building I am drawing, close-ups for detailed work as well as at a distance. I will
also choose an angle that will show the best side of the building and take several shots to get an understanding of the relationships
between features, angles, and perspective views. I also obtain old photos from various sources for some drawings.
With the photos as a reference, I then begin a rough draft on paper, adding as many
details as possible. Pertinent landscaping features (trees, shrubs, etc.) locations are included in the draft. Once it is complete and I
am satisfied with the perspective, I will transfer the image to my good paper by laying the rough draft on a light table and with the
good paper over it, begin to trace over the rough draft. I then add layers of graphite working from light to dark. One drawing will be
several layers using about 10 different pencils of varying degrees of hardness and softness. Once completed, I have the drawing
professionally and digitally photographed from which reproductions of archival quality are made.
The Buffalo area is rich in classic architecture, and I believe it will be key in the revitalization of our great and historic city. Its
abundant variety of historic mansions, public buildings, and especially its churches provide me with a vast amount of subject
matter to keep me busy for many years to come.
Hello. My name is Stephen Russ. I am a pencil artist specializing in graphite pencil drawings of mainly classic Buffalo
architecture on heavy acid-free paper.
I begin by taking several photographs of the building I am drawing, close-ups for detailed work as well as at a distance. I will
also choose an angle that will show the best side of the building and take several shots to get an understanding of the relationships
between features, angles, and perspective views. I also obtain old photos from various sources for some drawings.
With the photos as a reference, I then begin a rough draft on paper, adding as many
details as possible. Pertinent landscaping features (trees, shrubs, etc.) locations are included in the draft. Once it is complete and I
am satisfied with the perspective, I will transfer the image to my good paper by laying the rough draft on a light table and with the
good paper over it, begin to trace over the rough draft. I then add layers of graphite working from light to dark. One drawing will be
several layers using about 10 different pencils of varying degrees of hardness and softness. Once completed, I have the drawing
professionally and digitally photographed from which reproductions of archival quality are made.
The Buffalo area is rich in classic architecture, and I believe it will be key in the revitalization of our great and historic city. Its
abundant variety of historic mansions, public buildings, and especially its churches provide me with a vast amount of subject
matter to keep me busy for many years to come.
Asbury United Methodist Church- 44 x 30 (portrait)
1876
Designed by John H. Selkirk, Buffalo’s earliest architect. Built under the Gothic Revival style at a time when other churches in Buffalo were being erected under the Romanesque style similar to H.H. Richardson's Buffalo State Hospital. A noted design feature of the Asbury church is the catacombs underneath the church.
1876
Designed by John H. Selkirk, Buffalo’s earliest architect. Built under the Gothic Revival style at a time when other churches in Buffalo were being erected under the Romanesque style similar to H.H. Richardson's Buffalo State Hospital. A noted design feature of the Asbury church is the catacombs underneath the church.
Erie County Hall- 30 x 35
1871-1876
Built on a former cemetery plot for War of 1812 soldiers. Place where President McKinley laid in state after his assassination at the Pan American Exposition in 1901. A roped-off area and a bronze floor plaque designate the spot in the front lobby.
1871-1876
Built on a former cemetery plot for War of 1812 soldiers. Place where President McKinley laid in state after his assassination at the Pan American Exposition in 1901. A roped-off area and a bronze floor plaque designate the spot in the front lobby.
Edward Cotter fireboat on the Buffalo river- 32 x 46
The Edward Cotter fireboat was built in 1900 and is the only known fireboat in operation
in the world. It was originally named the William S. Grattan, but was renamed when it
was rebuilt in 1953. Edward Cotter was a Buffalo fire fighter who had died at about
the same time. The fireboat is still used to fight fires, break up ice on Buffalo rivers
as well as a symbolic icon of Buffalo’s heritage.
The Edward Cotter fireboat was built in 1900 and is the only known fireboat in operation
in the world. It was originally named the William S. Grattan, but was renamed when it
was rebuilt in 1953. Edward Cotter was a Buffalo fire fighter who had died at about
the same time. The fireboat is still used to fight fires, break up ice on Buffalo rivers
as well as a symbolic icon of Buffalo’s heritage.
Artist Bio
Having been born and raised in the Buffalo, N.Y. area, Stephen grew up surrounded by world famous classic architecture. This
fostered his appreciation for Buffalo architecture and coupled with his love of art, inspired him to capture their images on paper. Since
his teenage years, Stephen tried several different mediums including oils, watercolors and pottery. Although he still paints on occasion he
always came back to pencil for its simple and pure characteristics.
He has always been influenced by the works of M.C. Escher, the Impressionist painters and American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Stephen enjoys talking about Buffalo history and architecture and likes to share stories and memories with those who view his work.
It is his hope that seeing his work will help them to appreciate the rich history and magnificent architecture of the City of Light.
Having been born and raised in the Buffalo, N.Y. area, Stephen grew up surrounded by world famous classic architecture. This
fostered his appreciation for Buffalo architecture and coupled with his love of art, inspired him to capture their images on paper. Since
his teenage years, Stephen tried several different mediums including oils, watercolors and pottery. Although he still paints on occasion he
always came back to pencil for its simple and pure characteristics.
He has always been influenced by the works of M.C. Escher, the Impressionist painters and American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Stephen enjoys talking about Buffalo history and architecture and likes to share stories and memories with those who view his work.
It is his hope that seeing his work will help them to appreciate the rich history and magnificent architecture of the City of Light.
Hayes Hall, University of Buffalo- 29 x 43
Circa 1865
Originally built as an insane asylum and poorhouse before becoming a hospital in the late 1800’s and was then acquired by the University of Buffalo in 1909.
Named after Edmund B. Hayes, an engineer and investor of the development of electric power in Niagara Falls. It was renovated in 1927 and the bell tower added in 1935 by E.B. Green and Sons.
Darwin Martin House- 30 x 37
Circa 1865
Originally built as an insane asylum and poorhouse before becoming a hospital in the late 1800’s and was then acquired by the University of Buffalo in 1909.
Named after Edmund B. Hayes, an engineer and investor of the development of electric power in Niagara Falls. It was renovated in 1927 and the bell tower added in 1935 by E.B. Green and Sons.
Darwin Martin House- 30 x 37
Frank Lloyd Wright
One of the most significant pieces of
architecture in Buffalo. Designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright for Darwin Martin, an executive of the
then lucrative Larkin company. Located in north
Buffalo, the Martin house has seen a resurrection
from obscurity. With the rebuilding of the entire
Martin House complex. It is a major tourist
attraction in Buffalo even before its renovation
is completed.
One of the most significant pieces of
architecture in Buffalo. Designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright for Darwin Martin, an executive of the
then lucrative Larkin company. Located in north
Buffalo, the Martin house has seen a resurrection
from obscurity. With the rebuilding of the entire
Martin House complex. It is a major tourist
attraction in Buffalo even before its renovation
is completed.
St. Mark's, Buffalo, NY- 30 x 26
1915
A congregation consisting mainly of the Irish, St Mark’s
parish was formed on June 25th, 1908. After much difficulty
finding a suitable location to build their church, the
congregation finally settled on its current location
in the Parkside area. St. Mark’s was unique in its
time in that a church was built before the school.
1915
A congregation consisting mainly of the Irish, St Mark’s
parish was formed on June 25th, 1908. After much difficulty
finding a suitable location to build their church, the
congregation finally settled on its current location
in the Parkside area. St. Mark’s was unique in its
time in that a church was built before the school.
Ellicott Square Building- 24 x 31
1896
Was the largest office building in the world made with structural iron when it was completed. Erected on the site that Joseph Ellicott chose for himself when he laid out his plans for New Amsterdam (now the city of Buffalo) in1797. The title for the property was retained by heirs for almost 100 years and was subsequently named Ellicott Square.
1896
Was the largest office building in the world made with structural iron when it was completed. Erected on the site that Joseph Ellicott chose for himself when he laid out his plans for New Amsterdam (now the city of Buffalo) in1797. The title for the property was retained by heirs for almost 100 years and was subsequently named Ellicott Square.
Graycliff- 31 x 41
1931
Frank Lloyd Wright
Built as a summer home for Darwin & Isabelle
Martin, Graycliff sits on a cliff overlooking
Lake Erie. In 1951 after The Martins died it was
sold to the Piarist Fathers, Roman Catholic priests
from Norway, to be used as their monastery. In 1997 it was sold to the Graycliff Conservancy to avoid it from being demolished by a developer. Today the conservancy continues its restoration while having tours and hosting events.
1931
Frank Lloyd Wright
Built as a summer home for Darwin & Isabelle
Martin, Graycliff sits on a cliff overlooking
Lake Erie. In 1951 after The Martins died it was
sold to the Piarist Fathers, Roman Catholic priests
from Norway, to be used as their monastery. In 1997 it was sold to the Graycliff Conservancy to avoid it from being demolished by a developer. Today the conservancy continues its restoration while having tours and hosting events.
St Louis RC Church, Buffalo - 46 x 33 (portrait)
1885-1899
The third church to be built on this site, the first dating back
to 1832. St Louis is the oldest Catholic congregation in Buffalo.
Named after King Louis IX of France who was canonized a saint.
Designed by Schikel and Detmans of NYC, its spire resembles the
Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
1885-1899
The third church to be built on this site, the first dating back
to 1832. St Louis is the oldest Catholic congregation in Buffalo.
Named after King Louis IX of France who was canonized a saint.
Designed by Schikel and Detmans of NYC, its spire resembles the
Cologne Cathedral in Germany.