An Old Story 1910

This energetic watercolor was made by Charles M. Russell who was working at the turn of the century. It feels like a freeze-frame from an old movie. The composition is bursting with energy. I can imagine Russell capturing this moment in a flurry of brushstrokes, a vibrant dance of color and form. There’s that feeling of raw, immediate experience. The palette of browns, oranges, and blues is earthy yet alive. The paint is applied with a light touch, almost transparent, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity. I think the way Russell renders the dust kicked up by the car and the horses is interesting. Each fleck feels intentional, a way to give a scene depth and dynamism. The horses look surprised by the motorcar. I wonder what it would have been like for Russell to witness this 'stand-off' between the old and the new, and how that might have influenced his painting. Ultimately, paintings like this one remind us that art is never made in isolation. It’s an ongoing conversation.