Book Review Sagebrush and Paintbrush The Story of Charlie Russell, the Cowboy Artist

If you are thinking of traveling out west toward Montana I would suggest buying  “Sagebrush and Paintbrush” by Nancy Plain. From a historical point of view, it's a superb resource for middle schoolers and young adults to learn about the cowboy artist Charlie M. Russell and his legacy. From an educator's point of view exposing young readers to historical non-fiction is a valuable part of the curriculum where students learn critical thinking and information literacy skills, and make real-world connections. Reading this book can help young readers expand their knowledge of the Old West. 

Plain effectively captures the spirit of an artist who also was a storyteller, author, and advocate for Native Americans and who had a deep love of the Old West. Her sentences are concise, informational, engaging, and have a poetic flow. The inclusion of many of Russell's original artwork enhances this biography. We find out that Russell sketched mostly from memory and never ran out of ideas for his paintings because he was a good listener and paid attention to his surroundings. He was deeply interested in the American Indian and their way of life. During his entire career, he would paint more Native American scenes than any other kind. Russell was a master at creating scenes bursting with action set against a dramatic backdrop of the prairies and mountains showing the cowboy roping, branding steers, and living their best life out on the range. His oil paintings depict the cowboy's life using precise details. He was not afraid to take risks with his work which was ever-evolving. He experimented with sculptures using a variety of mixed media. He even challenged himself by taking up writing and illustrating. Russell had a strong fan base who were eager for scenes of the Old West showing fast action, danger, and all that the Old West had to offer.

It is evident the author was inspired by her love of history by writing this book. She hopes to pass along to the next generation the thought there is enjoyment to be had learning about people from the past, and their lasting contributions. The last couple pages of the book direct readers to different locations in Montana where Russell's art can be found such as in museums, at a refuge named in his honor, his studio, a state building, and in other cities where his art is displayed.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Plain is a four-time Spur Award winner from the Western Writers of America. Nancy’s biography of the cowboy artist, “Charlie Russell, Sagebrush and Paintbrush,” won a Spur Award for “Best Western Juvenile Nonfiction,” from the Western Writers of America in 2008. She has also received the following recognition: YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist, the National Outdoor Book Award, Booklist Editors’ Choice, the Nebraska Book Award, the Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History, the Will Rogers Medallion Award, the Carter G. Woodson Honor award, and First Place in Children’s Nonfiction from the National Federation of Press Women. Nancy has written ten histories and biographies for young people. She has written widely on American history topics, including biographies of the Cowboy Artist Charlie Russell, Chief Joseph, and The Nez Perce War, the pioneer photographer Solomon Butcher, and the bird artist John James Audubon. Visit Nancy at NancyPlain.com.