Lary Russell is a self-taught mixed-media painter whose work blends abstraction with social commentary, creating what he calls "Universal Art" — a fusion of styles and mediums rooted in personal vision and public conscience.

Russell treats art as a collaborative dialogue between himself and the canvas, painting instinctively rather than on commission. His work draws on lived experience — including growing up in rural North Carolina and navigating dyslexia — which he credits with sharpening his imagination. His pieces engage current events and social issues, from the BP oil disaster to global conflict, using acrylic and digital media to explore themes that transcend personal narrative.

Despite having no formal art training, Russell earned a Master's degree and built a career as an affordable housing consultant. Now in his 70s, he has completed more than 90 original works and is sharing his art publicly for the first time — stepping out from behind what he calls a life as a "Closet Artist."