Jim enrolled at the University of New Mexico in the Fall of 1934. Jim studied painting under the renowned modern artist, Raymond Jonson, who also came to the university in 1934. In the 1920’s, Jonson was responsible for bringing modernism to New Mexico and was a part of a group of painters dubbed The Modernists who were granted special exhibition space in Santa Fe’s Museum of New Mexico.
In the work below, from Satch’s collection, one can see the influence of Jonson on the young artist, Jim. This painting was most likely made when Jim was a student. It is San Ignacio Church at 1300 Walter St. NE in downtown Albuquerque.
Click on the painting to enlarge.
San Ignacio, Albuquerque, New Mexico, circa 1935
The Art of James Spencer Russell 