Elsie Russle - Artwork

Here is a collection of artwork by Elsie Russel. You may download the art in JPEG format by clicking on each icon. You may also download a full-size GIF by clicking on the word "GIF" after each title. The artwork is also archived at sunsite.unc.edu in the directory pub/multimedia/pictures/OTIS/MASS/Russell_E

For more information about ordering any of these paintings, please contact The Atlantis Project at oceania@enet.net.

The Return of Dionysus

• The Return of Dionysus (GIF)
• 1987-89
• Painting, oil on linen
• 48x60
• scene of a secluded cave and mythical symbolism
• $7,000.00

Dionysus, god of the vine of freedom, ecstacy, passion returned from his wanderings to a feast in preparation. He is accompanied by his trusty companions, Ariadne, his love, Silenus, his drunken teacher and the various satyrs and maenads who follow him in carefree abandon on his never-ending journeys through the countryside of Arcady.

Gaia Alterpiece

• Gaia Alterpiece (GIF)
• 1992
• Painting, oil on linen
• 48x48
• Hendrix serenades divine females and their blessings
• $7,000.00

The goddess of the earth, the mother of us all, stands on her planet which is cradled by the three-headed dragon of universal energy. She bestows upon Pan, god of wild nature, the mysterious secret of music which is symbolized in the reeds behind him and from which he fashions the pan flute, its haunting sound echoing throughout the untamed world. Also master of the untamed world and musical messenger for Gaia is Jimi Hendrix, shown here in exaltation. Behind him, standing guard to his queen is the Green Man - ancient European deity of the virgin forest. His menacing eye warns humanity of the terrible consequences which will befall our world if we don't honor him and the vegetation of the planet. Attending Gaia is the Cretan Snake Goddess - goddess of the life force - the Zoe of Ancient Greece, the Tao of the Chinese, the Yoga Kundalini (serpent power of India). She holds and hypnotizes the left and right powers of energy - right brain/left brain, feminine/masculine, night/day - maintaining the equilibrium needed for growth. Staggering onto the scene is the first and last god, Dionysus, god of intoxication, chaos, ecstacy but also of freedom and spontaneity.

Skull and Boots

• Skull and Boot (GIF)
• II - 1990
• Painting, oil on canvas
• 16x20
• skull and boots in dreary warmth of usefulness
• Collection of the Artist

This allegorical vanitas is a mediation on life and the walk towards death, the vanity of youth and health, the pain and frustration of illness and the cry for help, the hope in the white wing of the handkerchief and the skull facing towards the future, the boots ready to march steadily onward.

Orgy

• Orgy (GIF)
• "Triumph of Venus" (82) (Collection of Dr. Brobson Lutz, New Orleans)
• "Discovery of Ariadne" (81) $7,000.00
• "Serenata" (79-80) $5,000.00
• "Transfiguration" (81) $5,000.00

(184k) Four paintings in classical style dating from 1979 to 1982. "Triumph of Venus" (82) depicts an orgiastic party of nudes, "Discovery of Ariadne" (81) show us some of the performers, "Serenata" (79-80) the dancers and the shy, "Transfiguration" (81) uses many of the same poses from "Triumph..." but introduces some new elements and lightens things up a bit.