Known as the "cowboy artist," Charles Rus- sell's success story exemplifies the American dream. Uncouth and unschooled, Russell had a passion for the untamed frontier that led him to roam the West; he hunted and trapped, and herded cattle on the open range--all the while sketching and sculpting for pleasure the frontier life that he loved and which was fast disappearing in his lifetime. Having endured many a lean sea- son, by the turn of the century Russell re- ceived remarkably high prices for his artwork and unequivocal praise from cowboys, Indians, critics, and artists.

Known as the "cowboy artist," Charles Rus- sell's success story exemplifies the American dream. Uncouth and unschooled, Russell had a passion for the untamed frontier that led him to roam the West; he hunted and trapped, and herded cattle on the open range--all the while sketching and sculpting for pleasure the frontier life that he loved and which was fast disappearing in his lifetime. Having endured many a lean sea- son, by the turn of the century Russell re- ceived remarkably high prices for his artwork and unequivocal praise from cowboys, Indians, critics, and artists.

Charlie participated in some of the largest cattle drives and roundups in Montana, and he captured on canvas and in bronze the rigors of managing steer in scenes like The Strenuous Life and The Stampede. He also por- trayed the freewheeling side of the cowboy-- who played as hard as he worked--busting broncos as in The Bucker and shooting up towns as in the famous sculpture Coming Through the Rye. Moreover, he graphicallydepicted the wildest aspects of the West in which cowboy vigilantes and con men set-tled scores by lethal means, bandits robbed overland stagecoaches, and violent clashes erupted between Indians and the encroach-ing white man. His narrative, action-packed scenes include When Guns Speak, Death Set-tles Dispute.

Charlie exhibited a warmth, generosity, and unpretentious candor that won over the most hard-bitten leathery cowhands, and the Indians of the plains. The Bloods of the Blackfoot nation embraced him as one of their own when Charlie resided with them six months and learned their language, cus- toms, and religious rituals. He developed a deep affinity and respect for his "red brothers" that is reflected in such authenti- cally detailed paintings as The Silk Robe and The Buffalo Hunt, and in such sculpture as The Medicine Man.

Beautifully illustrated with about 70 of Russell's paintings and sculpture in full-color, this volume pays tribute to one of the best-loved western artists, whose life and artembody the raw, rugged individualism of the American frontier.

INTRODUCTION

COWBOYS

INDIAN LIFE

THE WILDEST WEST

SCULPTURE

LIST OF COLOR PLATES