Len Rusin’s inspiration to paint nature developed while backpacking through several northeastern states, Alaska, Florida, and Canada. Using his field notes, sketches and photographs during these excursions he captures the feeling of being a part of nature.

Rusin’s paintings not only make an artistic statement, but also offer the viewer a visual clue of the natural world. His paintings are well-planned compositions that use light to bring life to his paintings. This artist develops ideas in his work to give the viewer a sense of being there. Whether painting studies or major works Len’s strong sense of design and painterly style creates an emotional appeal which forces one to pause and experience the painted image. His paintings use sound principles of art combined with the elements of design to create his unique works of art.

Rusin recently retired after 34 years of teaching art in Niagara Falls, NY and is now a full time wildlife artist. Len's work can be seen at the Averill Gallery located at 424 Center Street, Lewiston, New York 14092.

Commissions - accepted
Special Achievements
  • 2007 - Artist in Residence-Acadia National Park
    Len will be the artist in residence for three weeks in September in Acadia National Park in Maine.
  • 2006 - Featured Artist
    Clayton Decoy and Wildlife Art Show, Clayton, NY
  • 2005 - Artisans In Nature Jubilee
    Rhapsody in Blue, White and Gray wins first place in painting on board and canvas. Matgorda Nature Center will reproduce it as a poster and print.
  • 2004 - Art of the Animal Kingdom IX
    Painting-Stretching picked as part of exhibit in Bennington, Vermont.
  • 2004 - Award-Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit
    Painting "Stretching" chosen for the permanent collection of the Bennington Center for the Arts.
  • 2004 - Award-Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit Len's painting "Two Big Ones" Awarded the Gamco Award in the Kentucky National Wildlife Art Exhibit.
  • 2002 and 2003-First place painting-Colden Valley, Ny
  • 2002-Employee of the year-Niagara Falls Schools, NY
  • 2001 - Featured Artist
    Beaver Lake Nature Center Wildlife Art Show, Syracuse , NY
  • 1999 - Hall of Fame
    Elected to the North Tonawanda Hall of Fame
  • 1996 - Artist
    Winner NY state Duck stamp
  • 1995 - One Man Show
    Frederic Remington Art Museum
  • 1995 - Print Feature
    National Wild Turkey Federation
  • 1993 - Atlantic Fly Way Artist
    Print featured by Ducks Unlimited
Collections
  • 2007 - Acadia National Park
    The painting Acadia Moment depicting two men in a canoe observing a loon in the bay near the entrance of Acadia's Schoodic Penninsula area is in their permanent collection.
  • 2004 - Bennington Center of the Arts
    Painting of two loons selected for permanent collection.
  • Arkansas Arts and Science Center
  • WXXI - PBS Rochester, NY
  • Canfield and Tack Rochester, NY
Publications
  • Seaway Journal (1999)
  • Wildlife Art (1999)
    Painting "Snow Queen & King" used in book -
    Author: Alan Singer
    Published by: Rockport Publishers
  • NY Conservationist
    - April 1996, December 1998, April 1999;
  • North Americans Falconers Assoc. Journal
Organization Membership
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Rocky Mountain Elk
  • North American Falconers' Association