C.M. Russell

Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), artist, conservationist, author, and much more, lived in Great Falls most of his life. He is such an important Montanan that his statue represents the state in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capital building. His house and studio are preserved in GF and a great museum has been built on the same city block. We went there Friday afternoon.

Russell did Western art, mostly cowboys and Indians. You can find prints on the internet. Here are some shots I took in the museum, which houses a lot of his art. A little reflection on some from overhead lights, but not too bad, I think. I imagine most of you loyal readers are familiar with Russell, but if not, you can get some idea of the detail and themes he put in his paintings.

The buttes in these first two pictures are inspired by a butte south of GF that appears in many of his paintings.

And, that's gotta be the Missouri River in this picture.

He even illustrated letters to his friends:

He did sculptures also.

Here's Russell at work in his studio.

So, next time you're in Great Falls, Montana, be sure and see the C. M. Russell Museum. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob