History with Phil: The cowboy painter who defined the West

Charles Marion Russell, often called Charlie Russell, is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the American West. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he left home at 16 to pursue his dream of living in the West, arriving in Montana in 1880. His early years were spent as a ranch hand and cowboy, where he immersed himself in the lifestyle that would later become the foundation of his artistic legacy. Russell's firsthand experiences with the land, wildlife, and people of the West allowed him to depict his subjects with an unparalleled level of detail and authenticity.

Russell was a self-taught artist who created sketches, paintings, and small sculptures during his downtime as a cowboy. He had little formal training, but his natural talent for capturing the raw essence of life in the West quickly gained attention. His early works often depicted the daily struggles of ranch life, cowboy adventures, and interactions with Native American tribes. His reputation as an artist began to grow in 1886 after he created a watercolor painting, "Waiting for a Chinook", which portrayed a group of cattle suffering through a brutal winter storm. This piece, intended to illustrate the hardships faced by ranchers, gained local notoriety and marked the beginning of his artistic career.

While Russell's early work was appreciated by those familiar with the West, it wasn't until he married Nancy Cooper in 1896 that his art gained widespread recognition. Nancy played a crucial role in transforming Russell's artistic talent into a successful career. She had a keen business sense and quickly took on the role of his manager, promoting his work and handling the financial aspects of his growing reputation. Nancy's tireless efforts helped Russell's art reach a broader audience, particularly in the Eastern United States, where there was a romanticized fascination with the West.

Nancy was a savvy marketer, booking exhibitions for Russell and ensuring his work was displayed in prominent galleries. She often encouraged him to include more of the mythic, adventurous elements of the West in his paintings, understanding the appeal of these themes to collectors and audiences outside the region. Her management extended to negotiating deals and pricing for his works, allowing Russell to focus on his art while she built his brand.

A significant milestone in Russell's career came with the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, where his art was prominently displayed. The World's Fair, formally known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was one of the largest expositions of its time, attracting millions of visitors. Russell's art, with its dynamic depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and the rugged landscapes of the West, captivated a diverse audience. His work resonated with visitors, many of whom were eager to experience the rapidly vanishing frontier.

Beyond the World's Fair, Russell continued to enjoy success as his works were exhibited in galleries across the country. He produced more than 4,000 paintings, drawings, and sculptures during his lifetime, with themes ranging from historical events to daily life on the frontier. Some of his most famous works include "The Hold Up", which depicts a dramatic stagecoach robbery, and "When the Land Belonged to God", which captures the serenity of the untamed West before European settlers arrived. By 1920, a painting of Russell's could sell for as much as $10,000. He died of a heart attack in 1926.

C. M. Russell high school in Great Falls is named after Charlie.

Phil Connelly serves on the board of directors for the Ravalli County Museum and Historical Society as board president and treasurer. He has been writing a history column for Ravalli Republic since 2009.

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