When MOVA International set out to create its very first holiday-themed globe, the team sought an artist whose work evoked warmth, wonder, and imagination. Enter Andy Russell—an American painter known for his surreal dreamscapes and vibrant colour palettes. After a chance meeting at an art show, it became clear he was the perfect artist to bring this festive vision to life.
The result? Home for the Holidays, a beautifully detailed snow-covered winter village wrapped around a MOVA Globe—marking the very first original piece in the MOVArt Collection.
We spoke with Andy to learn more about his artistic journey, creative process, and what it takes to paint on a spherical canvas.
How did you get into painting professionally?
Andy’s journey into art began in childhood, where he found himself constantly sketching and imagining new worlds—despite having no formal training.
Through meditation, he began experiencing vivid, dreamlike visions of peaceful landscapes and cities. Inspired by these visions, he set out to capture them on canvas and share them with others.
As his skills developed and demand for his work grew, Andy made a life-changing decision in 1991—leaving his career in industrial sales to pursue art full-time.
What materials do you prefer to work with?
Andy experimented with various mediums before settling on acrylic paint. He prefers acrylics because they are odour-free, easy to clean, and dry quickly—making them ideal for layering and glazing techniques.
He primarily uses high-quality professional paints for their rich pigmentation and smooth application, allowing him to achieve the vibrant, dreamlike effects his work is known for.
Do you have a favourite piece?
Andy admits his favourite piece is often the most recent one he’s completed. However, among his extensive portfolio of over 2,000 works, several stand out as particularly meaningful milestones in his artistic journey.
How does commissioned work differ from personal projects?
When working on commissioned pieces, Andy adapts his creative process to meet specific client requirements—whether that means painting a certain scene, incorporating particular elements, or capturing a specific time of day.
This structured approach often pushes him to explore new ideas and expand his signature “Extended Realism” style in ways he might not otherwise attempt.
What challenges come with painting on a globe?
Creating artwork on a spherical surface presents unique challenges. Unlike a flat canvas, a globe only reveals part of the artwork at any given time, requiring constant rotation to ensure visual continuity.
Additionally, curvature can distort elements at the edges, meaning each part of the design must be carefully adjusted to appear correct from multiple viewing angles.
Technical limitations also come into play, particularly when translating artwork for printing onto the globe. Colour relationships and contrast must be carefully balanced to maintain visual harmony.
Despite these challenges, Andy finds the process deeply rewarding—especially when the final piece achieves the intended sense of calm, motion, and immersion.
Art That Moves and Inspires
At the heart of Andy’s work is a shared vision with MOVA: to create art that soothes, captivates, and transports viewers beyond the everyday. The Home for the Holidays globe embodies this philosophy—offering a peaceful, slowly rotating scene that invites reflection and wonder.
To explore more of Andy Russell’s artwork, visit www.andyrussell.com. To see the MOVArt collection in person, use the Find a Retailer tool to locate a store near you.
