Russell's England Brush (From Stroud News and Journal)

Russell's England Brush

VINCENT VAN GOGH cut his own ear off, and legend has it Jack Russell likes nothing better than to soak his Weetabix in milk for exactly 12 minutes, both eccentrics yes, brilliant artists-definitely.

Russell, 42, the former Gloucestershire and England wicketkeeper, who retired from first-class cricket last year, has just completed his latest cricket paintings that feature four of this summer's historic Ashes matches in which England triumphed over Australia for the first time in 18 years.

Dual role

Russell would spend the morning coaching England wicketkeeper Geriant Jones and then rush up to his painting position and begin his work.

Freddie Flintoff and company were, as Russell explained, always interested in how Russell's work was progressing. "Freddie Flintoff and all the boys would ask me how it was going. It has been non-stop, but I'm delighted with the way it went."

The series is currently on show at Russell's gallery in Chipping Sodbury Gallery until the New Year, although the Trent Bridge painting, which was commissioned by the Lord's Taverners, will be auctioned on December 5 at the Hilton in Park Lane, London, where it will be on public display beforehand.

It's likely to raise a massive amount and further demonstrate how far Russell has come as an artist. Today, Russell's paintings fetch up to £25,000.

Russell said: "The first was when I got £1,000 for a painting - I never thought I'd get that much. The second came one day when my agent Jim Ruston phoned me and said he had some bad news.

I thought he was going to say the gallery had burned down, but he said, 'Jack, we've had a painting nicked.' And I remember shouting, 'Yes!' and punching the air. Suddenly, I was collectable."

Russell counts Rembrandt among his favourite artists - and among his biggest influences.

Something magical

"His work is so three-dimensional, so atmospheric. It's his creation of light, the way he generates it. It's magical. Every so often, I have to go to London and just stand in front of some Rembrandts."

Despite his obvious passion for sport, dozens of oil paintings from landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, wildlife studies, military scenes can be found at the Jack Russell Gallery.

"I have been all around the world, but the Five Valleys has something special-it's magical."

Jack Russell Gallery, 41 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire. 01454 329583. www.jackrussell.co.uk