The slightest thing can kick start a memory, a snippet of a song, the glint of sunlight on the ocean, the smell of pine trees. All memories are painted with an emotional palette, the good ones in warm colours of high key. This exhibition is a collection of happy memories, past recollections of growing up in Claremont and swimming at Cottesloe, and future reminiscences of enjoying a cup of coffee or a walk on the beach, here and now. All are painted in warm, bright colours.

Russell revisits the stomping grounds of his youth and while doing so renews his earlier art style. This is no retro kick, it's a way of going forward without losing valuable lessons that have brought him to this point, in life and art. This makes the exhibition an interesting and highly enjoyable experience, not just for the collection of memories depicted in the pictures but for the appreciation of how the paint is employed to construct the moods they evoke.

Russell's style is definitive yet his paintings are easily accessible. The colour is vivid, the structure controlled, the imagery familiar. Listening to comments made by visitors to the exhibition, it's obvious the paintings open a different door for every viewer so each can revisit their own special moments.

In some works the artist employs his 'signature' method of separate mosaic like brush marks of rich colour and a painted window to frame the image and keep us focused on the 'other' world. We also find Russell's specific motifs; lovers, sunflowers and a combination crescent moon/round sun. In works where the artist 'revisits' his earlier style we note a tempering of these methods and motifs. The coloured mosaic brush work becomes well blended short strokes to gently define the remembered Boys Down the River and if there is no moon/sun depicted in the view of the contemporary Bellissimo - Bayview Terrace there certainly is a single light source. All the works exhibit a strong sense of summer with areas of deep shade acting as relief in a sun drenched world.

I particularly like the two small exhibits of a couple on a balcony as they provide a sense of warmth and contentment. In Coffee With the Moon the pair turn their back on us to gaze at the glorious satellite while in Indian Lovers they embrace with total commitment. Then too it's hard to walk past the large Indian Ocean - Night View as the sunset oranges and night blue water reaches out to grab our attention.

Meanwhile the mood of joy and peace, of good times then and now, as well as the celebration of our ocean side lifestyle is best summed up in Hot Sun, White Sand and Umbrellas at Cottesloe Beach. In this painting Russell displays his skills at seeing, interpreting and communicating the mood of all summers.

This is a highly enjoyable exhibition, one to been seen and appreciated, one you'll remember for a long time afterwards.