Fine Artist & Oil Portrait Painter
Joshua Adam Risner
The Living Presence in Fine Art
Joshua Adam Risner is a master realist whose work sits at the intersection of historical tradition and contemporary expression. Specializing in museum-grade private commissions, Joshua serves a national clientele of executive leaders, university foundations, and families seeking to preserve their history through investment-grade fine art.
His studio practice is defined by a deep commitment to the physical life of the painting. In recognition of his technical mastery and fine craftsmanship, Joshua holds a distinguished permanent appointment as the Artist in Residence for the Michigan State Capitol. In this consulting role, he serves as the primary authority on the Capitol’s painted heritage, acting as an official designer, conservator, and oil portrait painter for the state’s most significant historical records.
"The intent behind every mark I make is to give life to an idea, to instill a living presence within each painting. My hope is that life is always evident in the work I create."
A Discipline of Tradition
Joshua’s process is an exercise in 19th-century traditional craftsmanship and modern cultural understanding. Eschewing the shortcuts of modern commercial art, he maintains a tactile connection to his materials—often hand-grinding his own pigments and constructing custom archival panels. This ensures that every commission possesses the "grit" and physical integrity required for permanent collections.
As a scholar-painter who has taught the discipline of painting at the collegiate level, Joshua brings an academic depth to every canvas. His public portfolio includes six official portraits at the Michigan State Capitol and the official portrait commission of Senator Debbie Stabenow for the U.S. Senate’s permanent collection in Washington, D.C.
Artistic Philosophy
Allegorical Expressionism
A painting is more than a mimetic picture; it is a vessel for life’s complexities. Through Allegorical Expressionism, Joshua uses the visible movement and texture of oil paint to explore truths that photography cannot reach, bridging the gap between traditional technique and raw human experience.
Succession Art & Legacy
By combining traditional methods with modern archival chemistry, Joshua creates family legacy paintings designed to be handed down through generations without loss of vibrancy or structural soundness.
Curriculum Vitae
Appointments & Experience
- 2016–Present: Artist in Residence (Consultant), Michigan State Capitol
- Official Portrait Painter: Michigan State Governors & Judicial Gallery
- U.S. Senate Commission: Official Portrait of Senator Debbie Stabenow, Washington D.C.
- 2005–Present: Owner & Creative Director, Rabbit Hill Art Studio
- 2015–2016: Adjunct Professor of Painting, Kendall College of Art and Design
Education
2014 MFA in Painting | Kendall College of Art & Design (Full Tuition Fellowship)
2012 BFA in Painting | Ashland University (Cum Laude)
Awards & Honors
- • Best of Show, Muskegon Museum of Art Regional Exhibition
- • Juried Publication, Manifest International Drawing Annual
- • People’s Choice Award, UICA Festival Regional Arts Exhibition
