Building art collections that can be treasured and passed down through generations is a passion for Lisa Russell. She dreams of collections that are composed of the finest art by master artists from Pissarro and the Impressionists to Chagall, Picasso and the Modernists to Ray Donley and Peter Max – the contemporary and soon to be masters. The Russell Fine Art Collection, named ‘Austin’s most exclusive gallery’ by the New York Times, carries art for the serious collector and Lisa is equally serious about her calling. “Even in this economy, art is an amazing investment. Historically, fine art has experienced a steady incline in price, but I really dislike focusing exclusively on that aspect. Up front I know that the art I show is a good investment, but what I love about this business is seeing the sparks and the passion a client feels for a piece of art. I want them to enjoy their art, to hold onto it throughout their lives and pass it down to their children.”

More than living a dream, Lisa is answering her true calling. Raised in Los Angeles, she comes by an appreciation of fine art from both her father, a passionate art collector, and her mother, an interior decorator. Her grandmother was an artist and although Lisa had no artistic ability she developed an appreciation and an eye for fine art. A born merchant, Lisa would set up a store in her bedroom as a child happily selling her “wares”. She was fascinated by the Beverly Hills gallery and the dealer, Michael Schwartz, who helped her father with his collection.

Fast forward to 2000…after receiving her MBA from Arizona State University, Lisa and her fiancé moved to Austin, completely unemployed. “It sounds crazy but the first time I saw the green water and the rolling hills I fell in love with this city. It was nothing like I imagined Texas would be. My husband, Chris is a software developer so Austin was a great fit for us. We bought a house, married and have two children.” Building a Dream that Transcends a Lifetime The Russell Collection Art Gallery

With a little research, Lisa quickly realized that Austin did not have a gallery carrying the museum quality, fine art she was passionate about and in 2002, she opened her first gallery at the Arboretum before moving to her current location at 1137 West 6th Street. Lisa rotates shows that focus on one artist with a diversity that ranges from pop artist Peter Max to contemporary Spanish artist Royo with her permanent collection which includes paintings by Impressionist Camille Pissarro and his descendants; Austin master sculptor Charles Umlauf; and master artists from Rembrandt to Matisse to Picasso. “From the beginning I have been totally committed to developing relationships with my clients and guiding them in developing collections they can completely enjoy. I love the idea of helping someone find a special piece-maybe discovering a new artist or finding a piece they missed out on. I will use all of my resources to find exactly what they are looking for. Serving my clients gives me great satisfaction. I want to know what makes them passionate about art. I know it sounds trite, but I absolutely love what I do.”

Fortunately for serious collectors passionate about art, Lisa Russell found a home in Austin and followed her dream of building collections of art that transcends a lifetime.

For more information go to: www.russell-collection.com

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