Interview with Dave Russo

Just got off the phone with artist Dave Russo for a story I’m writing for the Summer issue of TQ. What a fascinating man! He won a scholarship in 1947 and, for his prize, chose to study with Picasso for a year in Paris. Picasso’s first response was that he didn’t take students but, after a friend interceded and Picasso learned that he’d get $2,000 a month for supplying the young Russo with room and board, the artist changed his mind. Dave has some really incredible stories about his experiences with the master, whom he refers to as the “uncrowned king of France,” including dinners with Matisse and, as a young Catholic boy, being forced to draw a very pregnant, very nude and very hairy model. The issue will be out in July with the complete story!