Artist Study–C.M. Russell

C.M. Russell (March 19, 1864 – October 24, 1926) was an American artist who was famous for his Wild West artwork.   Russell moved to Montana at the age of 16 and began his life as a cowboy, and artist.  During his lifetime, Russell created more than 2,000 pieces of art about cowboys, Indians and landscapes of the old west.

For this particular project we used watercolor paints, watercolor paper and black construction paper.   I’m not opposed to using the cheaper watercolor sets in plastic cases that you buy at most stores.  However, you’ll find if you have tubes of watercolors, and use watercolor paper, you’ll end up with a much nicer finished product.

It’s also nice to have various size paint brushes available.  Be sure to give everyone a paper towel or old cloth to remove excess water from their brushes.  Water colors are VERY forgiving. Either add more water, or dab off excess and you can totally change the look.

For this project you’ll want to have your paper in the landscape position.  Use your water colors to paint and blend your sunset over the majority of your paper.

Once you’ve finished layering your paint, use a piece of black construction paper to make an outline of a landscape.  (I totally forgot to take a photo of this step.)

Glue your black paper over the bottom portion of your painted paper and, tada!

Happy painting!