The Free Trader 1925

Charles M. Russell, at an unknown date, made 'The Free Trader' by building up thin layers of oil paint, one over the other. Look at how the light kind of shimmers across the whole painting. I'm imagining Russell starting with a warm ground, maybe a burnt sienna, and then glazing these incredible colours on top, letting that original warmth peek through. What do you think he was thinking about when he made this? The way he renders the horizon line and the vast sky, the delicate touches of pink, orange, and purple. He seems to understand the nuances of light, and the way it touches the earth and these figures. The brushwork is pretty tight, yet still lively. It reminds me of Remington, but maybe a touch softer. I can see this guy was really paying attention, really looking at the world around him. And isn't that what it's all about? We’re all influenced by each other, bouncing ideas around across time and space!