SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured left is the Christmas Card Charles M. Russell sent; right photo depicts Russell painting of cowboy life

By C. MacDonald

Many years ago, my grandfather received a very special holiday card from famous Western Artist Charles M. Russell that became one of his most treasured items. He was really moved by its heartfelt words, which displayed a caring attitude never forgotten. The succinct message showed a true Old West spirit worth sharing this holiday season:

“Best wishes for your Christmas
It’s all you get from me.
‘Cause I ain’t no Santa Claus–
Don’t own no Christmas tree.

But if wishes was health and money,
I’d fill your buckskin poke.
Your doctor would go hungry
An’ you never would be broke.”

Charles M. Russell (1864-1926) was an artist, writer, cowboy, historian and philosopher, who became internationally known for his incredible artwork in the 1900s. Although he was born in St. Louis, he spent most of his life in Montana. Russell created about 4,000 works of art in his lifetime. You can see his fantastic art at an impressive museum in Great Falls, where he lived. The C.M. Russell Museum is located at 400 13th St. N, Great Falls, Montana. Find out more at www.cmrussell.org. “where Charlie’s West is still alive.”

(Russell’s amazing skill inspired Minnesota-born artist Bill Anderson’s love of horses and passion for painting them. Anderson, who was a public school art teacher for 38 years in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California, has his drawings and paintings of horses and more in museums and galleries around the world. Bill’s completing a book of his acclaimed horse artwork in 2014. You can see some of his paintings and sculptures at his Sunset Beach, CA gallery, next to Capt. Jack’s Restaurant, or at billandersonartgallery.com.)