Russ Saunders
A Life of Service, A Journey in Art
For Russ Saunders, art has always been present—sometimes as a quiet passion, sometimes as a guiding force, and at times, as a rediscovery. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, he didn’t have access to formal training or expensive materials, but his parents’ encouragement was unwavering. While they couldn’t provide structured art education, they instilled a belief that creativity was worth pursuing.
In eighth grade, an English teacher, Mr. Baldwin, changed everything. Through weekly journal assignments, Saunders found himself immersed in writing ghost stories and illustrating them with drawings. Baldwin saw something in his work and became his first real artistic mentor—pushing him to develop his craft and even enlisting the art teacher to help refine his skills. "With the right training, you could be a famous artist or writer someday," Baldwin told him. It was the first time Saunders had ever received such direct and enthusiastic praise, and it planted a seed that would take years to fully bloom.
A Detour Into Duty: A Career in Law Enforcement
Despite this early encouragement, life had other plans. As Saunders grew older, responsibilities took precedence. Art faded into the background as he pursued a career in law enforcement, eventually rising to the position of Police Chief. The demands of his job and raising a large family left little room for creative expression.
But life has a way of bringing us back to our passions, often in unexpected ways. One day, his daughter needed help with a school art project. They bought supplies, sat at the kitchen counter, and painted together. Her painting went on to win a school contest and was displayed in Wisconsin’s state capital.
Something clicked.
That moment rekindled the spark Saunders had nearly forgotten. He decided to create a small space on the kitchen counter for painting, which later evolved into a 300-square-foot art studio. From that moment on, he fully embraced art—not just as a hobby, but as a serious and fulfilling pursuit.
Creative Process & The Power of Abstract Art
Today, Saunders primarily works with acrylics on canvas, with a deep passion for abstract art. While he occasionally paints landscapes and portraits, abstract work allows him the freedom to explore emotions, movement, and interpretation in ways that other forms do not.
"One of my favorite things is watching people discuss my work and hearing them describe what they see. Sometimes they agree, sometimes they see something completely different—but that’s the joy of it. Art should make you think, it should resonate differently with everyone who experiences it."
His inspiration comes from everywhere—the way colors interact on a random object, the patterns in nature, or even fleeting moments captured in a photograph. He is always sketching, taking notes, and observing, collecting pieces of the world that later become parts of his paintings.
His creative process is fluid:
Some pieces come together in a single sitting, driven by emotion and spontaneity.
Others sit and evolve over months, requiring patience, reflection, and careful revision.
When facing creative blocks, he either forces himself to paint freely or steps back and lets the work percolate.
"Some of my best work has come from both approaches. Sometimes, I complete a painting in a few hours. Other times, I painstakingly stare, paint, step back, and repeat the process for months."
One of his most personally meaningful works is "Gone but Not Forgotten." Created in a single session, the painting was made on the same day a close friend’s mother passed away. The emotions of that moment flowed directly onto the canvas, resulting in a piece that resonated with many. It has since been displayed in galleries and museums, including a current exhibit in Washington, D.C., until September 2025. The painting was originally meant as a gift to his friend, but due to its success and ongoing exhibition schedule, he has yet to deliver it—though he promises "this time for sure!"
Art as Therapy & Community
Having spent years in law enforcement, Saunders has also come to recognize the therapeutic power of art. Painting has become an emotional release, a way to process experiences and connect with others. Through his involvement in the St. Augustine art scene, he has met fellow artists, collectors, and supporters who have enriched his journey.
"I consider myself lucky to be part of such a thriving art community. I’m involved in several art associations, and my work is displayed in multiple galleries—most notably at The Bart on Aviles Street."
Beyond painting, Saunders also guides walking tours of St. Augustine, sharing the beauty and history of the city he now calls home. His passion for storytelling—whether through visual art or spoken word—continues to shape his work.
A Journey That Never Ends
For Saunders, success isn’t just about selling paintings or being featured in galleries. It’s about the experience of creating, the connections it fosters, and the lifelong joy of discovery.
"I am honored every time someone purchases my work. It’s the ultimate compliment—knowing that something I created will be displayed in someone’s home or office, that it resonated with them in some way."
Looking ahead, he plans to:
Continue experimenting with abstract compositions and pushing his creative boundaries.
Stay actively involved in the art community, engaging in exhibitions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Encourage others—especially those who, like him, put their artistic dreams on hold—to rediscover their creativity.
"Art is something I cannot imagine living without. The journey isn’t always easy—there are frustrations, creative blocks, and doubts—but it’s always worth it. So I’ll keep painting, learning, and sharing, for as long as I can."
Final Thoughts
Russ Saunders' story is one of perseverance, rediscovery, and passion. His journey—from an eighth grader illustrating ghost stories, to a Police Chief putting art on hold, to a full-time artist—serves as a testament to the enduring nature of creativity.
For those who feel it’s too late to start, or that life has moved them too far from their artistic roots, Saunders offers a powerful message:
"Creativity is always there, waiting for you. All you have to do is pick up a brush and start."
