Writing about the American West, authors look for
documentation, diaries and photos are a great way to get a handle on the lure,
the majesty, and the mystery of the land and its people. To understand the grit
and struggle normal cattlemen used to survive, I choose to use paintings. One
of my favorite western painters is Charlie Russell.
Charles Marion
Russell
use of picture from the location below.
https://franceshunter.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/charlie-russells-lewis-clark-art/
Charles Marion Russell was born on March 19, 1864 and
produced over 2,000 paintings, sculptures, pen and ink sketches, water colors,
all depicting the Native Americans, Cowboys, and landscapes that layer our
dreams. He grew up in Missouri watching the explorers and fur traders moving
through on their way to the mountains. These men would peak his interest in the
wild west and move him toward the local library where he would read anything he
could get his hands on. By the age of
16, Charlie or “Kid Russell” would give up on school and head toward Montana
.
There, he worked many odd jobs, from sheep ranching to
hunting and trapping, never setting down any roots until he met up with Jake
Hoover. Hoover owned a ranch and it was under his guidance, that Charlie
learned many ways of the west. His water colors depicting the terrible winter
of 1886 -1887 still bring a chill to your bones when you look at them. At age
32, Charlie married his wife, Nancy and with her backing, his works became
sought after collectibles for people like Harry Carey, William S. Hart, Will
Rodgers, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Charlie passed away on October 24, 1926. In his honor the
schools of Helena closed so that the children could attend the funeral. Charlie
was brought to his final resting place in a horse drawn, glass hearse. His work
will stand the test of time. The colors and land he captured will be forever
tucked in the hearts of those who dream about the old west.
If you are ever in Great Falls, Montana, be sure to take
time and visit C.M. Russell Museum Complex and see many of his pieces, personal
objects, and artifacts. Other places holding Charlie’s pictures are the Montana
Historical Society, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Amon Carter Museum of
American Art, and the Sid Richardson Museum.
A taste of Charlie's work
Waiting for a Chinook
Picture courtesty of www.charlesmarionrussell.org
Until next time, happy reading,
Nan O'Berry
1 comment:
HI: enjoyed your interesting post. Great overview of Russell's life.
Gini Rifkin
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