There’s something unmistakable about a Matthew Jay Russell painting. At first glance, the viewer is struck by its compositional restraint: no clutter, no noise—just a boat, a horizon, a quiet sense of calm. Look longer, and that simplicity deepens into something more profound: a distilled essence of the coast, rendered with architectural clarity and emotional serenity. “I try to capture that timeless quality,” Russell says, “but in the most minimal way possible.”

Russell calls himself a contemporary seascape artist, a distinction that speaks volumes. Unlike the traditional marine paintings that evoke windswept masts and historical drama, his work is grounded in atmosphere and stillness. The boats in his compositions are not in motion, but in repose—anchored in fog, resting on glassy waters, or suspended in open space. These are meditations in oil, shaped by the artist’s disciplined eye and patient process.

Born and raised in the farming town of Argyle, New York, Russell now works from his studio in Saratoga Springs. Creativity, he says, has been a constant. “I’ve always been creatively driven,” he explains. “I was that kid who was always making things.” He briefly attended the Pratt Institute before following a largely self-taught path that has allowed him to explore multiple mediums, including oil pastel, watercolor, and acrylic. But in recent years, oil has become his exclusive focus. “There’s something about the richness of oil, the layering and depth—it just fits what I’m trying to express.”

Russell’s seascapes are often large in scale—40” x 40” and beyond—designed to command attention and immerse the viewer. But despite their size, they whisper rather than shout. The compositions are carefully planned, beginning with scouting and photography, followed by digital and sketchbook mockups. “I’m always looking for that perfect shot,” he says. “It’s about finding the right balance and simplifying the scene to its essence.”

That process continues on the canvas, where Russell works in thin, deliberate layers. “Each layer takes time to dry, especially with oils. It requires a lot of patience.” He uses minimal mediums—just Gamsol for brush cleaning and a touch of Galkyd to accelerate drying time—preferring the purity of the paint itself. His goal, he explains, is not just to recreate a scene, but to evoke a feeling: “When I’m on the Cape or in Maine, I feel calm, I feel peace. That’s what I’m trying to bring through.”

His compositions often focus on boats, presented almost like still lifes. “There’s a geometric, architectural quality to them,” he says. “They need that balance, especially when the rest of the painting is so quiet.” While some artists use tricks of light or color to direct the viewer’s eye, Russell’s approach is more holistic: every part of the canvas contributes to the overall sense of place and mood. “It’s not about one focal point—it’s about the entire experience.”

Russell has experimented with abstraction and looser styles, but always returns to the precision that defines his aesthetic. “I’ve tried being more abstract, and the process can be fun, but the end result doesn’t please me in the same way,” he admits. “There’s something about getting it just right that’s very satisfying.”

His influences range widely, but he cites Mitchell Johnson as a particular inspiration. “I love the simplicity and color fields in his work,” Russell says. “There’s a finish to it that reminds me of oil pastel, and a coastal sensibility I relate to.”

Though based in New York, Russell’s connection to Cape Cod is strong. He spends time in Truro, gathering inspiration from harbors, marinas, and the ever-shifting light of the shoreline. Fog, in particular, is a recurring motif. “I love foggy mornings—it’s such a big part of the atmosphere I try to capture.”

At 28, Russell is already represented by galleries in Saratoga Springs, New York and Newport, Rhode Island, with aspirations to join a Cape Cod gallery soon. He credits much of his progress to the support of his family, friends, and partner. “I’m just really grateful,” he says. “To be able to do this, to keep exploring, and to connect with people through my work—it means everything.”  

Matthew Jay Russell is not currently represented on Cape Cod, yet he is eager to find a gallery that will expose his work to a receptive audience. Sheldon Fine Art Gallery in Newport is proud to include him in their roster of fine artists.