Russell Welch — 1908 to 1994

Russell F. Welch was born on August 7, 1908, in Jamestown, New York, and lived in the area most of his life.
Studying under other artists and later at the Washington School of Commercial Art, he officially began his artistic career hand-painting furniture
at Union National Furniture in Jamestown and was eventually promoted to head designer.

In 1971, Welch retired and moved to Warren, Pennsylvania, where he began painting full-time. Welch studied painting with listed New York artists Adon Trimm and Carl Nordell.
Welch’s method of painting was incredibly unique. To begin a painting, Welch would first sketch a scene on his board and then would apply the paint starting at the top of the board
and working across and down until he had reached the bottom. Welch did not use a brush or palette knife; rather, he painted with a small wooden or plastic ruler.
During his career, Welch painted murals in public buildings in New York and Pennsylvania, including the mural in the Alice Wetmore Room
at YWCA building in Warren, Pennsylvania, today known as the Jefferson-DeFrees Center. 

Russell Welch was not your typical painter. In his signature style, he would begin painting the top of the canvas and work his way to the bottom.
Once at the bottom, he typically did not go back up to add any additional touches and considered his work complete.
Adding to the intrigue were his tools of choice. In lieu of a paintbrush, Welch often used a straight-edged tool such as a ruler.

Welch's work has been shown across the country, including in New York City, Erie, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and the Chautauqua Institute.
Russell Welch was featured in a 1981-1982 edition of Renowned Artists in America and is listed in the American Artists of Renown.
He passed away on February 5, 1994, in Warren, Pa.