Going for the bronze; a study of Frederic Remington's sculptures - Brief Article

Arts & Activities, May, 2002 by Dianne Turner

Popular and noted Western American artist Frederic Remington combined his passion of study of the Old West with technologies of his time to immortalize his artwork. During a journey in search of himself, Frederic Remington discovered that the wealth he was in search of had been in his possession all along. In 1885, Remington took a pivotal turn as he embarked on a journey to the West with only a horse that he had purchased for $50 the day before his trip.

Remington's style of painting portrayed precise detail that came from direct observation. His fascination for the West led him to purchase a sheep ranch to have as a returning base for his trips to the Southwest. He observed, became part of, and breathed the West. He felt that becoming part of the environment was essential. Remington's goal was to paint what he saw as lively as he saw it onto canvas.

Remington moved to working with bronze casting after he saw another artist's work. He decided that the process of casting would immortalize his works forever in time. Remington liked that idea that his bronze sculptures would last for long periods of time, possibly outlasting his paintings. His bronze sculptures are noted for their attention to detail. Including the muscular details in both horse and rider. He was also noted for his accomplishments in the ability to balance his horse sculptures on one leg without any other means of support.

INCORPORATING REMINGTON'S ART INTO A LESSON Children learned about Remington's fascination with the Old West. They looked at both his paintings and his bronze sculptures. They were instructed to identify the similarities and differences between the sculptures. Children viewed the painting, The Fall of the Cowboy (1895), and were asked to look at the position of the horses, their riders and the environment. Students were then asked to describe what the mood of the work was and identify what they thought the artist was trying to communicate about the horses and riders.

Then, children were shown pictures of Remington's bronze sculptures Bronco Buster (1895) and The Horse Thief (1907). Children observed how Remington was challenged to balance Bronco Buster on two of the horse's legs. The Horse Thief depicts an American Indian riding a horse, and is attached to a background that supports the sculpture. Children were then instructed as to the process of making and creating a bronze sculpture. Armatures were discussed, along with the difficulties of trying to balance a top-heavy object.

The following project outlines a three-dimensional project based upon the works of Frederic Remington. This activity is appropriate for children in kindergarten through third grade (more well-developed sculpture applications may be used by older or more advanced students).

CREATING A FAUX BRONZE SCULPTURE

Children were given the following materials: Crayola[R] White Model Magic[R] (or children can use a salt-and-dough recipe for clay), a 5" x 7" piece of corrugated cardboard and some toothpicks.

Children were asked to create a horse in action, such as the ones depicted in Remington's sculptures. They created their own sculptures making the horses full-bodied and to one side. This creates a relief sculpture much like Remington's The Horse Thief. The horses must show joints and muscular structure, as they are in the process of movement. Details are etched using the toothpicks. The toothpicks can be used as armatures in more delicate sculptures.

The students then press the final horse sculptures onto the corrugated cardboard. For older or more advanced children, a saddle can be added to the horse, or reins to show more detail. For those who are willing to give it a try, a person can be added as well. When either the Model Magic or the salt dough dries, it will stick to the cardboard; if by chance they don't stick, simply use white glue to attach the sculpture to the board.

When the sculptures are dry, they can be "bronzed" by the teacher (you) or an adult volunteer. When all of the horse sculptures are dry, take them to a well-ventilated area and, first, spray-paint them all over with flat-black spray paint. Then, spray a small amount of antique-gold spray paint on the top of the horse to give it a bronzed appearance.

SHARING THE COMPLETED HORSES When completely finished, children shared their faux bronzed horses with the class. We discussed the sculptures in terms of its action, muscular structure or any similarities or influences from Frederic Remington. We also discussed the Remington bronze sculpture in the Oval Office of the White House. Often in movies and on television shows, one can spot a reproduction of it in the background of the set. This idea motivated children about spotting Remington's work on television. The completed horses were displayed in a classroom art-museum setting for all to enjoy.

Using Frederic Remington as a means to study about the Old West creates an excellent opportunity for children to learn about American history, as well as the study of cowboys, American Indians and horses. In addition, children are introduced to the process of bronze sculpting and its importance to the legacy of Remington's work. Learning about Remington's work helps widen children's interest in a well-known and significant artist of the Old West.