Joshua Adam Risner: A Legacy of Classical Portraiture

The Narrative: From the Ohio Heartland to the Nation’s Capitol

Joshua Adam Risner’s journey into fine art is defined by a rare combination of commercial mastery and academic rigor. Raised in rural Ohio, Joshua spent his early career mastering the tactile arts of sign painting and graphic design—disciplines that instilled a profound respect for craftsmanship and business integrity.

After a successful tenure as a creative director, Joshua committed fully to the fine arts, earning his BFA from Ashland University and later an MFA from Kendall College of Art and Design under a full tuition fellowship. This transition marked the beginning of his emergence as one of the region’s preeminent classical realists and portrait artists.

The Consultant & Master Portrait Artist: An Official Legacy

Today, Joshua’s work is woven into the fabric of American history. As the Artist in Residence for the Michigan State Capitol, he serves as a lead consultant on the preservation of the state's fine art collection. His hand has shaped the visual record of leadership, with Seven portraits on permanent display in the Capitol—most notably the monumental portrayal of Governor Rick Snyder.

His reach extends to the national stage, where his portrait of Senator Debbie Stabenow hangs in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. These high-stakes commissions are a testament to his ability to capture not just a likeness, but the weight of a legacy.

Rabbit Hill Art Studio: The Private Practice

While his official titles are a mark of distinction, Joshua’s creative pulse beats at Rabbit Hill Art Studio. From this private atelier, he operates an independent portrait practice and explores his personal fascinations with tonalism and allegory.

By bringing the same museum-grade standards required by the State Capitol to private commissions, Joshua ensures that every client receives a piece of heirloom-quality art. At Rabbit Hill, the goal is simple: to create a "living presence" on canvas that will be cherished for generations.