Through more than 4,000 recorded works that include oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, and writing, Charles Marion Russell (1864–1926) expertly captured the art and soul of the American West. Russell accomplished this by creating an academic visual record honoring Western narratives, sweeping landscapes, and magnificent wildlife scenes. His spirit endures even if his work is regarded as historic.
Charlie was a well-known "original cowboy artist" worldwide, yet he humbly preferred friendship to fame. His contagious humor, talent for storytelling, activism, and illustrated "paper talk" letters have helped elevate a beloved legacy. A wide range of people in Charlie's inner circle showed allegiance, including his family, Great Falls neighbors, modern artists, North Plains tribal members, and other notables like John Ford and Will Rogers.
In this article, we will list and discuss some of the most famous and excellent paintings that made Charles Marion Russell a famous painter and cemented his status as one of the foremost painters from his period.
Laugh Kills Lonesome
The 1925 painting Laugh Kills Lonesome is currently housed in the Mackay Collection in Helena, Montana. It was created only a year before Charlie attended the Last Roundup, making it the perfect depiction of a final farewell by an artist.
Since western artist Charles Russell is more interested in mood than verisimilitude, he paints the figures in a very sketchy manner. The sky and the surroundings are simply painted in cool, muted tones. The stars appear nearly heavenly, and the moon shines beautifully in the distance, but neither of these objects casts a cool glow over the scene since they are so far away and difficult to reach.
The campfire in the background gives the chuck wagon, some basic tools, and the cowboys a cozy glow, adding to the picture's overall warmth. They are just a group of men who are content after a long life of work, appreciating the outdoors, their lifestyles, and one another. There is nothing particularly admirable about their attitudes or deeds. One lights a meditative cigarette, another finishes the rest of the coffee, and two play cards together.
The last few years of Charlie's life were spent in poor health, and in this painting, it is clear that he is contemplating his past. However, it is not a look of sadness or loss but a look of contentment. Perhaps the title of the painting, Laugh Kills Lonesome, best captures the essence of the genuine Charlie Russell.
