Indian Squaw 1901

Charles M. Russell painted this portrait, Indian Squaw, with oil on canvas. I love the way Russell uses the paint, especially how the colour is layered to create a sense of depth and texture. Look at the blanket draped over her shoulder. Notice the rough, visible brushstrokes, how they dance across the surface, giving the fabric weight and movement. The red is vibrant, almost glowing, contrasting with the cooler blues and greens. This interplay of colour and texture gives the painting an emotional resonance, it’s not just a portrait, but a feeling. The way Russell handles the background, with its loose brushwork and muted tones, reminds me a little of Whistler, but with a Western twist. You can see how art speaks across time and space, echoing and transforming. It’s all one big conversation, isn’t it?