When Blackfeet and Sioux Meet 1908

Charles M. Russell made this painting, titled 'When Blackfeet and Sioux Meet', using oil paint. Look at how Russell captured movement and energy through loose brushwork and a warm color palette. It’s clear that he wasn’t trying to create a photo-realistic scene, but instead wanted to convey the dynamism of a fleeting moment. The texture of the paint itself adds to this sense of immediacy, with visible brushstrokes creating a tactile surface. Notice the way he layered the paint, especially in the foreground, giving depth to the composition. The brushwork on the horses is so loose, the figures are a flurry of motion. It's a real push-pull between representation and abstraction. Russell’s work echoes the spirit of artists like Delacroix, who also embraced expressive brushwork and dramatic compositions. He captures the intensity of a moment frozen in time, inviting us to reflect on the complex stories embedded within the Western landscape.