July Newsletter

Newsletter July 2010

Summer in the Sacramento Mountains lasts for about 30 day. We call it Summer, other folks call it June. The Monsoon season has started, cool weather and rain have returned. For those of you wanting to escape the heat of OK, TX or AZ think about coming to our New Mexico mountains

American Indian
Amulets and Talisman

This month I'm concentrating on a new series of small 8 x 10 oil paintings using amulets and talismans as my subject matter. Each piece is researched for historical accuracy and I provide the story behind each painting which can be seen on my blog.
I have completed 2 paintings and as each is finished they are posted on My Blog

I find the history of these small pieces very interesting and I hope you do too.
 
Greeley Stampede Western Art Show

You still have a few days left to see the Greeley Stampede Western Art show. It runs through July 4th
 

   
 Aug looks like it will be a busy month. Stay tuned for updates
Please go to my website to see information about the galleries that represent me

Subscribe to my Cowboy and Indian blog and you will be the first to see my new paintings and hear about upcoming shows
 
Contacts and Links

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To see more of my paintings and to be the first to see
my current work please view these sites:

http://www.khenderson.com/

Blog: http://khendersonart2.blogspot.com/

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Assiniboine Amulet - American Indian

Assiniboine Amulet, 8 x 10, oil on canvas

Small leather medicine pouches or amulets were made by the Plains Indians and worn around the neck or attached to clothing or shields. These bags could be plain or decorated with beads, shells etc. It's what was inside the bag that was most important. These small bags would contain protection, luck, and healing power. Stones, feathers, metal, animals claws or teeth, and herbs may be placed in these bags. Each was personal to its owner and would contain items that were significant to the individual. 

Time Passes - Greeley Stampede

Time Passes, 12 x 9, oil on canvas

SOLD
This is one of the five paintings I have for sale at the Greeley Stampede Western Art show. The show in Greeley CO starts today June 25 and ends July 4th

Eagle Medicine - American Indian

Eagle Medicine, 12 x 9, oil on canvas. 

I've been painting some large and complicated paintings lately and felt the need to paint something small.

This is a beaded amulet that would be worn as a necklace or in the hair. It could also be attached to a shield or a shirt. The Eagle talons were used as means to be connected with the eagle who was a messenger to the spirit world.

See more of my workon my website

Greeley Stampede Western Art Show

Three Horses, 18 x 24, oil on canvas

SOLD

If you are around Greeley, CO June 25th - July 4th stop by the Western Art Show.  I will have 5 paintings in the show.
The Art Show is open every day of the Stampede, and is free to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but are encouraged to see the fantastic art on display. The Opening Night Gala will be held on Thursday, June 24th in the evening and many of the artists will be in attendance. Tickets are just $40 per person ($50 at the door) and can be purchased through the Stampede box office at 970-356-7787.

A Time of Honor- mandan headdress

A Time of Honor, 36 x 30, oil on canvas

This modern day American Indian is wearing a Mop Top, Feathered Hat or also called Mandan Headdress. The origin of this hat comes from the Dog Men or Dog Soldiers The Dog Soldier was a common society amongst most of the Northern Plains tribes throughout the 18th century. As most societies which exsisted, it was exclusive to those who proved their worth both on and off the battlefield.

SOLD

We are the Dreamer of Dreams American Indian

We are the Dreamer of Dreams, 36 x 36, oil on canvas

I created this painting in 1999. It appeared in South West Art magazine that same year. I still get phone calls about it. I wish all my paintings were this popular.

What do you think makes me stand out from my other work? I have no idea. 

We Must Walk the Path - American Indian Moccasins

We Must Walk the Path, 8 x 10, oil on board
These beaded and quilled moccasins are trimmed with red Trade Cloth. This wool was originally used in trade by the fur traders to obtain beaver pelts from the American Indians

SOLD

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

 SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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)

SOLD