ARTIST OF THE OLD AMERICAN WEST

C.M. Russell

C. M. Russell

1864-1926One of America’s

Greatest Western ArtistPainter and SculptorDreamed of being a

CowboyLived and worked as a

WrangleGreatly admired the

American Indians

Charles Marion Russell was born in St. Louis, MO, but dreamed of living in the American West. At age 16, he traveled to Montana to pursue his dreams of being a cowboy and living the exciting life of men on the range.

Russell lived in Montana for 46 years. He spent 11 yrs. Working as a cowboy where he learned a great appreciation for the western ranching way of life.

He painted during a time when there was great interest in the West. His paintings were popular because they accurately showed times and events in western history.

Russell greatly admired the American Indians. His spent time visiting the tribes in the Northern Plains and Canada. This experience was depicted in many of his paintings and sculptures.

In Without Knocking

What event is depicted in this picture?

What colors do you see?

How does color affect the painting?

Do you think this painting depicts an actual event? Why or why not?

What does it tell you about the life and times of the cowboys?

Compare and contrast pay day in the West of Russell’s time and today.