The Heart Fears Nothing - American Indian

The Heart Fears Nothing, 40 x 30, oil on canvas
American Indians painted their faces for many reasons: Protection from the sun, ceremonial, personal recognition and others
Here, he wears white paint, white being the color of light, life and the Southeast - where the Sun rises with life-renewing power. The heavy white paint or clay is a prayer for long life.

The lines of flesh represent the straight roads that lead to the Great Spirit

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Gallery 822 - Show opening

Sings with the Eagle, oil on linen, 20 x 30
Hope to see you at The Gallery at 822 Canyon Road, Santa Fe this Friday May 07, 2010, 5-8 pm. I'll be there with the other gallery artists. Lots of New work

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Ration Ticket Bag - American Indian

Ration Ticket Bag, 9 x 12, oil on canvas

Beaded pouches, rectangular in shape, decorated with tinkling cones or fringe and having short flaps, were used through the 1800's  to carry a strike-a-light steel, a flint, matches and often ration coupons

With each treaty signed between the Indian tribes and the US Government, rations of food were promised. The usual practise was to give each head of family a ration ticket, with the number of rations he was entitled to, at the start of each quarter. These were presented to the agency warehouse each Saturday, the ticket was punched and rations were given out.

The rationed varied over time but often consisted of beef, flour and pork with the occasional coffee sugar,  soap and tobacco. 

Quilled moccasins- American Indian

Quilled Moccasins, 9 x 12, oil on canvas
Porcupine quillwork is an art form completely unique to North America. Before the introduction of glass beads, quillwork was a major decorative element used by the peoples who resided in the porcupine's natural habitat.
In regions where the porcupine was not found, quills generally became a significant trade item.Although it was the practice to use the quills from porcupines, it was not an uncommon practice to use bird quills.
Quills were often dyed red, yellow, green, purple and orange.To get these colors, the quills are soaked in moss, roots, berries, herbs and other plants.
This painting is available from me for the next week. If you are interested in purchasing it please Contact me

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Ball and Cone Earrings - American Indians

Ball and Cone, 18 x 24, oil on linen
The ear bob, also known as the ball and cone earring, was the most popular form of earring during the fur trade, and possibly the most popular item of the fur trade. The ear bob was made of a hollow two-part soldered ball suspended on a wire that pierced the ear, with a cone suspended underneath. It was not uncommon to see a Native American with ten or more ear bobs in each ear.(from www.xxtradesilver.com)

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When the Moon Rises - American Indian

When the Moon Rises, 36 x 30, oil on canvas
I have many, many books on the American Indian which I use as references for my paintings. The shirt in this painting is based on a photograph taken by Carl Moon in 1910.
This painting is available from me, K. Henderson Studio for the next week or so.

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Hano Clown - American Indian

Hano Clown is oil on canvas, 20 x 30.
The Hano Clown, also known as a koshari, wears a black and white head dress with horns made of sheepskin. The horns are stuffed with grass and have cornhusk tassels at the tips. Tufts of cornhusks are also worn at the ears.

Rides with the Sun - American Indian

 Rides with the Sun, oil on canvas, 20 x 30.

This painting can be seen at Miller Gallery's  show 50 Years-50 Artists-50 Paintings
A 50th Anniversary Celebration of Artistic Diversity
The year 2010 marks Miller Gallery's 50th Anniversary. The show dates are February 26 – March 14, 2010. The gallery is located in Cincinnati, OH

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Hides from the Spirit - American Indian

Hides from the Spirit, 18 x 24, oil on linen
American Indians painted their faces for decorative purposes and for protection against the wind, sun, snow and insects. Designs of various kinds were used to designate membership in certain societies, to prepare for ceremonies, to mark achievement and to mourn the dead. When used for personal ornamentation there was no guide to the way the paint should be applied beyond the fancy of the wearer or for personal identification.

If a warrior had his face painted when he went on a raid into an enemies camp, he would change the face paint after the raid so the spirits of the dead would not recognize him and follow the warrior back to camp.
To see more of my work please click here to view K. Henderson.com

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Summer Koshari - American Indian

Summer Koshari is oil on canvas, 24 x 36
Although the majority of my American Indian paintings are portraits of the Plains Indians, I also love painting the Pueblo Koshari.
They are a Hopi Clown that perform during spring and summer rituals. As a Sacred Clown, they are the keeper of tradition and values. Although their purpose is to amuse, the humor often pokes fun at individuals, leaders and attitudes that seem aberrant to the tribe.
Find out more about Hopi Clowns in the book Clowns of the Hopi: Tradition Keepers and Delight Makers By Barton Wright
This painting is available at K. Henderson Studio

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Sacred Power - American Indian

Sacred Power is oil on linen, 30 x 36.
The image on the shield is the thunderbird. In many legends this bird brings Wind and Thunder with the beating of his wings. Some myths state that the sound of thunder is the sound of spirits warring in the sky.
To see more of my work please view my website

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K. Henderson and Ranch-Way Feeds

Do you want to get an inexpensive printed image of my painting "Painted Dreams" along with some great feed for your horse?

For the past few years Ranch-Way Feeds has been using art work to decorate their feed sacks. They will soon be coming out with my painting "Painted Dreams" on their Defiance Sacred Horse feed bags. I'm really excited about it.

I feel like I've come full circle. Many years ago when I first started my art career I did the art work on feed sacks for a local mill in Muskogee, OK.

Award - Hubbard Museum

                                                          Redwing , oil on canvas, 30 x24

I was awarded second place at the Hubbard Museum's Biennale Grande in Ruidoso, NM. I didn't get to attend the opening because of bad road conditions. You have until April 11th to see the exhibit.