Collector testimonials

Read feedback from Russell's collectors

Not sure words can describe how special this is to me, Derek.

Thank you.

You captured him perfectly.
— Whitney Shaw, President/CEO, American City Business Journals
Your portraits are evocative; compelling. Your signature style uniquely your own. I am humbled that you have trained your eye upon my features and cannot wait to behold your interpretation, spoken in a language that is uniquely your own.

I am at a loss for words. What you have done is simply amazing, and wonderful. I am speechless.
— Tom Petro, Managing Partner, 1867 Capital Partners
 
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The painting is absolutely fantastic!

Thanks for your efforts - I am speechless
— Mark J. Dorman, ChFC, CLU, CEPA, CFBS - President, Legacy Business Advisors
Jesus has arrived! I cannot tell you how exciting it was opening that box....I’m sure you hear this all the time but he is is even more impressive in person! I’m completely thrilled Derek, what a once in a lifetime experience this has been...your talent has brought me (and many others) lots of joy.

Thank you.
— Heather Scott, Ottawa, Ontario
Your artwork helps us tell our story. We are so blessed and inspired by everything you do.
— The Mission Corps, Collector
If Jackson Pollock did portrait art he would be Derek Russell. Derek paints with incredible vibrancy and captures the soul
— Michael M.Carter - Entrepreneur and Collector
Derek you’re extremely talented and I really like it.
— Ira Lubert - Chairman and Co-founder of Independence Capital Partners and Lubert Adler Partners, LP
Derek’s unique creation of this art piece for our family represents an indelible impression of the love our son had for Bob Marley. The vibrant and vivid colors brighten our home and give a sense of enduring happiness. We are very appreciate of Derek’s work in bringing this piece to life and dedicating it to our son.
— Kevin Aussef, Southern California
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The specific painting you made is unbelievable. The focus in his eyes, the almost grey in his hair, the signature chin, the light glaring down on him around his cheeks, gameday ready.
I love this piece.
— Matt, Boston, Massachusetts
We absolutely love the rich, vibrant colors it adds and the celebration of wonderful people. It’s a joy to walk by and see the realistic yet abstract paintings around the entire office! Thanks for adding that touch to our space!
— Deborah Bora Hwang, Chief of Staff, BizEquity
I am proud to own one your original paintings. Every time people come into my home that’s one of the first things they comment on. Your use of layers and colors is a true gift and really distinguishes your work from that of others.
— James, Southern California
Derek’s combination of artistic vision and easy-to-work-with professionalism has helped inject great energy into GSV’s brand - a fittingly vivid platform for GSV’s work about which they are so passionate.
— Andy Goldenberg - Brandlift Founder & President, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Oh my gosh. I’m almost in tears. It is perfect!!!!!! You are very talented and the style of painting is exactly what I was looking for!!!!!
— Haley, Switzerland
I am amazed at your vision, your beautiful mind, and how you see this magical world - I am so jealous!
— Linda, Director of Alumni Relations and The Conference Center at Massasoit Community College
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Derek Russell you have created a masterpiece of one the most precious moments of my life. Your talents exceeded Steve’s expectations and shocked me beyond words! The way you captured our raw energy and movement during our first dance as husband and wife speaks volumes as to that you are capable of as an artist.
— Samantha Roberson, Portsmouth, NH
Oh my god! I love it!!! I’m so excited!!! I love the colors and the way you captured me! It is amazing to see myself like that! I feel so much gratitude for you right now, you have no idea!
— Prita Chhabra - South Asian Recording Artist
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I can’t thank you enough. I loved hearing your artistic perspective on style because moving through this class, we don’t discuss the innate energy produced by an artist when he or she creates. You are definitely in tune with that inner energy, and it’s amazing how well you recognize it. You and your work are truly inspiring!
— Sarah, Colgate University
I am inspired by both your work and your attitudes and, I cannot wait to see your upcoming projects.
— Hollie, England
Derek is a special talent. After seeing his work, we asked him to paint my late father, and could not be happier with how it turned out. I’ve now got him looking over me in my home office as well as from above!
— Jason, Berwyn, Pennsylvania
You’re awesome! Seriously, I love your work. It’s amazing.
— Kerra, U.S. Army
Michael Moe & Jeb Bush. Photo Credit: GSV Companies, ASU+GSV Education Innovation Summit 2014

Michael Moe & Jeb Bush. Photo Credit: GSV Companies, ASU+GSV Education Innovation Summit 2014

You created a much nicer looking guy than me. This is great!
— Former Governor Jeb Bush
Your talent and kind gesture will pay forward in the coming year.

Many many thanks.
— Ray Konisky, Director of Marine Science, The Nature Conservancy
We’re big believers in fit — with client relationships, partners, ideas, scope, and tone — and this is a shining example of an unlikely pairing that results in powerful impact.
— Andy Goldenberg - Brandlift Founder & President, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Derek! Thank you for producing such amazing work and sharing it with the world. I’ve been a big fan of yours for years – I absolutely love your work, added to that the passion and enthusiasm in embracing life. It’s an inspiration to me, as is for many other artists and student artists around the world I’m sure!
— Marcie, South East Asia
Michael Moe & Lou Holtz. Photo Credit: GSV Companies, ASU+GSV Education Innovation Summit 2014

Michael Moe & Lou Holtz. Photo Credit: GSV Companies, ASU+GSV Education Innovation Summit 2014

Derek did a wedding painting for us on our special day and it exceeded everything we expected! He is very talented in capturing beauty in a unique way. It was my favorite thing to hang up after our wedding. We especially like how well he listened to what we both wanted. Highly recommended!
— Ayla Skorupa, Massachusetts