Free Trappers 1911

Charles M. Russell painted "Free Trappers" with oil on canvas, and you can feel the chill in the air just looking at it! It’s all about how Russell layers those cool blues and purples to create a sense of depth. There’s something so immediate in the way Russell handles the paint. Look at the rocks in the foreground – you can almost feel their rough texture, thanks to the thick, chunky strokes. Then, your eye travels up to the mountains in the background, where the paint thins out into hazy washes of color. I’m drawn to the way the light catches the trapper’s face, a highlight amidst the deep shadows. It's a masterclass in using light and dark to create form and drama. Russell reminds me a bit of Frederic Remington, but with a softer touch. Both artists were fascinated by the American West, but Russell brings a sense of intimacy and empathy to his subjects. It's like he's not just painting a scene, but inviting you into a story.