Russell Buzzell is the NB Town House Artist of the Month for August 2026
Russell ("Russ") Buzzell is a longtime painter and illustrator from North Brookfield whose work is closely tied to the rural landscape, wildlife, and history of central Massachusetts. He has had a professional career spanning illustration, fine art, and historical painting.
Russ grew up on the family farm in North Brookfield, milking cows, driving tractor, and working all the other requirements of the farm, but art was his first love.
A close family friend and artist, “Uncle Louie,” nurtured his interest and helped develop his skills as a young child. He graduated from North Brookfield High School in 1960 and the Art Institute of Boston in 1966.
He worked several years at the Massachusetts Audubon Society, illustrating their publications, which led to illustrating books, including Animals Nobody Loves by Ronald Rood, The Farm Book by Massachusetts Audubon Society, The Wilderness Home of Giant Panda by William G. Sheldon, and being a contributing artist for DeCourcy Taylor’s books, The Ultimate Fishing Book and The Art of Shooting Flying.
He also illustrated for Gray’s Sporting Journal and Wisconsin Sportsman magazines and freelanced for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
His most notable artwork includes “Sunday Afternoon on the Buzzell Farm” and the historical rendition of “Wheeler’s Surprise,” the ambush by Nipmuc Natives during the King Phillips War in West Brookfield on August 2, 1675. The majority of his work consists of privately commissioned paintings and drawings of New England farms, landscapes, and wildlife.
The 2026 Back Roads Studio Tour is October 3-4 and Buck Hill Studio will be open where you can view and purchase original art in oils, scratchboard, watercolor, and pen and ink with limited edition numbered prints and greeting cards also available.
The studio is at 25 Tucker Road, North Brookfield, MA
Read more about Russell in a North Brookfield Historical Society article
Buck Hill Studio is also open by appointment by calling 508-867-7339 and leaving a message. Or email Diane Buzzell at ddbuzzell@yahoo.com
