A new show currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston showcases the work of legendary painter of the west, Charles M. Russell. Virtually self taught, Charles M. Russell began his career as a cowboy working in the American southwest around the early 1900′s. This is the first retrospective of the artists work, and it proves to be a very successful new look at his entire history. Late in his career, long after he became a full time artist, Charles M. Russell’s iconic imagery provided much inspiration to Hollywood movie-makers looking for pictures that captured the authenticity of the real old west.

Portrait of CM Russell circa 1900, Smithsonian Institution

Using his first hand knowledge of life on the range, he created images that often depicted outsiders and marginalized people from the fringes of society. One of the best parts of the show are the names that he gave to the artworks – some very descriptive examples “Meats Not Meat Til its in The Pan“, “When the Land belonged to God“, “The Call of the Law“, “In Without Knocking“, “In the Enemies Country“.

Portrait of CM Russell circa 1900, Smithsonian Institution

Working in his log cabin studio on the painting “Whose Meat” circa, 1914

A Desperate Stand, 1898

Smoke of a .45, 1908

Crow Indians Hunting Elk, 1890

Currently on view through August 29th as part of the MFAH “An American Season” at the Audrey Jones Beck Building.

MFAH Audrey Jones Beck Building,  5601 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77265 ph. 713.639.7300

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