plate no. 8734

The Bison Trail

Charles M. Russell, 1908

oilRomanticismanimal paintingbisonlandscapemountainsskyplainsanimals

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering washes to create depth and texture. It also provides practice in depicting animal forms and movement.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line, mountain range, and the basic shapes of the bison herd.
step 02
Apply a light wash of yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna to the sky, fading towards the horizon.
step 03
Paint the distant mountains with a diluted mix of violet and white, using a dry brush technique for texture.
step 04
Establish the base color of the plains with a mix of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of blue.
step 05
Begin layering washes to define the shapes and values of the bison, starting with lighter browns and gradually adding darker tones.
step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the bison's fur and the grasses on the plains.
step 07
Add details such as the bison's eyes, horns, and the skull in the foreground.
step 08
Finish with subtle highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · violet · raw umber

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the base tones of the plains and bison. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a range of browns. Mix violet and white for the distant mountains.

techniques