Charles M. Russell, Master of Western Art: Through April 24, 2010
This traveling exhibit is organized by the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. It examines Charles Russell’s (1864-1926) life as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, writer and friend through objects from the C.M. Russell Museum’s permanent collection.
Charles M. Russell: Master of Western Art includes eight sections that showcase Russell’s life and artworks using numerous framed photographs, bronze sculptures, framed prints, illustrated calendars, illustrated books and a framed, illustrated letter and newspaper clipping. These eight sections emphasize the general biography of Russell’s life, his career and evolution as a painter, his hobby of sculpture becoming a professional career, the business of reproductions of his artwork, his illustration work for articles in periodicals and books, his career as an author, his natural ability to make and keep lifelong friends (including movie stars, authors and politicians), and finally, a look at his abiding affection for his horses.
Russell was always fascinated with the West, Native Americans and cowboys. He grew up sketching and drawing in his hometown in St. Louis, Missouri until he moved to Montana to live and work in the West. Russell married Nancy Cooper in 1896. He painted and sculpted in his log 
studio adjacent to their home, filling it with his collection of Indian clothing, utilitarian objects, weapons, cowboy gear, “horse jewelry,” and other Western props useful in accurately depicting the scenes of the Old West, of which he was so fond. It was here that Russell completed all of his major paintings after the studio's construction in 1903. Russell’s life and work in Montana greatly influenced his art. He painted in a time where there was considerable interest in the West. Russell’s art features a unique style and dynamic action. He also depicted specific times or events in Western history. Russell completed approximately 4,000 works of art during his lifetime. He was the first Western artist to live the majroity of his life in the West. Because of this, Russell knew his subject matter intimately and this set the standard for many Western artists to follow. —Information and biography provided by C.M. Russell Museum (http://www.cmrussell.org)
Visit this local exhibit on the 2nd floor in the King Gallery
Image credit: [Top] The Tender Foot | [Bottom] When Sioux and Blackfeet Meet
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