Russ Wiley’s photography journey started in 1971 after he built a darkroom in his home. It’s a passion that was sparked when he snapped photos for his high school yearbook, then got a job in photography in his college years.
His interest flared back up in the last decade or so, thanks to the digital revolution in photography and a visit to Africa in 2010. Russ’s photos have been in publications across the globe. One such publication: National Geographic, which marked Mother’s Day in 2020, by promoting Wiley’s shot of a mother giraffe and her 1-day-old calf on social media. His office, meanwhile, is filled with photos ready to be shipped to customers. On his Instagram page, he calls himself a “professional photographer of everything” — except for weddings. His main interests, though, are sports and wildlife.
Russ has also done work for the USOC, Red Bull, Ducati, USA Boxing , London Times and the Irish Independent among others
Awards – In 2018 Russ was the recipient of a Top Shot award from
National Geographic.
1. Clay – Chavant Le Beau Touche. Get the regular clay, not HM (high melt).
2. Clay warming devices, a metal bucket with a clamp on heat lamp or 100 W bulb works great.
3. Tie wire.
4. Aluminum foil.
5. Scissors.
6. Favorite sculpture tools.
7. Plank of wood (pine) approximately 8″ x 8″ x 2″.
Bring as many planks as you wish…the wood is used as the base for your sculpture.
8. Plumber’s pipe, 1/2″ threaded: Bring several different lengths…up to 10″…not PVC pipe.
Plumber’s pipe T joint.
Plumber’s pipe couplers.
Plumber’s pipe flange.
9. Screws and screwdriver to secure the flange to wood…this may be done before you arrive. (Place flange in the center of plank)
10. Wire cutters
11. Needle nose pliers
12. Rubber mallet.
13. Spatula
14. Measuring devices such as rulers, measuring tape, dividers, and calipers.
15. Because we concentrate on BIRDS IN FLIGHT, live models in the classroom are more distracting than useful. I will demonstrate the technique of constructing a cantilevered bird armature that can be used for many different bird species and will show you how to assemble shapes to capture the “gist” of the specific bird.
16. Bird field guides such as Peterson, Stokes, Golden, or Sibley. Sibley’s Guide to Birds (not Sibley’s Guide to Bird Life and Behavior) is best if bringing only one field guide. This popular book can usually be purchased at any bookstore.
17. Bring your laptop to the class if possible.
18. Bring your sketchbook.
1 Lake Circle Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
broadmoorgalleries.com