Oil portrait painting of a child in a peter pan costume painted by Joshua Adam Risner

Fine Artist & Oil Portrait Painter

Joshua Adam Risner

Member of the Portrait Society of America

Capturing the 'Living Presence'

Joshua Adam Risner is a Fine Artist and Master Portrait Painter whose work is dedicated to uncovering the essence of the subject. While primarily recognized for his oil portrait painting, his studio practice extends to broader narrative and fine art commissions—capturing a living presence on the canvas that reflects the character, history, and beauty of the human experience.

Working from Rabbit Hill Art Studio, Joshua collaborates with institutional leaders and private families to create investment-grade fine art. Each project is approached with the dual lens of an artist and a consultant, ensuring the work serves as a lasting legacy.

Joshua is currently accepting inquiries for legacy commissions and bespoke fine art to be scheduled for the 2026/2027 studio calendar.

As the Artist in Residence for the Michigan State Capitol, Joshua has been entrusted with the portraits of figures such as Governor Rick Snyder and Senator Debbie Stabenow. These works stand as permanent records of leadership, executed with the 19th-century traditional craftsmanship required for museum-grade collections.

The Foundation of Craft

Drawing on his background as a painting conservator, Joshua hand-mixes pigments and applies traditional glazes to achieve a luminous depth. This technical mastery ensures the structural integrity of the painting matches the timelessness of the subject.

Academic Training

Joshua’s technique is rooted in the rigor of classical training and collegiate-level instruction. He holds a BFA from Ashland University and an MFA from Kendall College of Art and Design (Fellowship).

Joshua alla-prima painting time-lapse

To see what is currently happening in the studio, please visit the blog.

Studio Journal →