Red Indian

                                                   

Red Indian, oil and gold leaf on linen, 30 x 40

And now for something completely different. This is the 3rd in a series of paintings using the logo of the Indian motorcycle. I was inspired by a red gas tank with gold lettering.

I like the contrast between the bright contemporary background and the more traditional and subdued colors of the American Indian figure. 

Available

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Cowboy's Sweetheart

Cowboy's Sweetheart, 20 x 30, oil on linen

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Plains Indian Bladder Bag

                               Plains Indian Bladder Bag, 10 x 9, oil on board © K Henderson

In the past, no part of a harvested animal went to waste. Bags like this were made from the bladder of an elk or deer. They could be highly decorated with quillwork and beads and might be carried on a belt. They were used to carry Quills or other small maker supplies and other small objects.

Available

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Crow Medicine - American Indian

Crow Medicine, oil on board, 10 x 8,  © K Henderson

The use of animals parts was a way to connect man with the the Spirit World. Using the talon of a hawk or eagle was a prayer to give the warrior the ability to strike his enemy as successfully as the bird strikes it's prey

Available

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Since 1901 - American Indian

Since 1901, 30 x 40, oil on linen.

I really enjoyed creating the painting 'Indian' based on the logo for the Indian Motorcycle, so I painted this second, larger one.
This one shows an American Indian wearing a feathered headdress as the Indian in the logo.

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Spirit War - Ghost Shirt

Spirit War, 30 x 40, oil on canvas

American Indian prophet, Wovoka, began the Ghost Dance religion in an attempt to bring peace between the Indians and the Whites. It brought together element of Paiute, Christian, Shaker and Mormon religions.  From the latter, Wavoka made use of the Mormon Endowment Robe, a robe "emblazoned with sacred symbols… reputed to protect the wearer from Satan and physical harm"
The Ghost Shirt is painted with symbols as a prayer to ask for natures help in restoring Peace and Abundance. The shirt was also said to protect the wearer from bullets.

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Indian

Indian, 22 x 28, oil on canvas

Indian was painted in honor of America's Pioneer Motorcycle, The Indian, which was first manufactured in 1901.
With this painting I am revisiting a series of artwork I did several years ago which included  figures along with product logos using American Indian images in the background

Available

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

To the Victor

To The Victor, 36 x 30, oil on canvas

This painting shows a Plains Indian with a half-painted face wearing eagle feathers, a beaded shirt with Hair Drops and carrying a shield
Hair Drops are tufts of hair used to decorate shirts, leggings, robes and other items, It is said that they were first made from scalp hair but later horse hair was substituted

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Heart of Courage

Heart of Courage, 36 x 36, oil on linen.

We've all seen old photos of American Indians in uniforms.There are many reasons for that. Of course we remember the scene from Dances with Wolves where the 'discarded' coat was pick up and became the possession of the new owner.
After a battle useful items would be taken including clothing. Not only was it practical but the items would be a sign of Victory.
Surplus military clothing was also given to the Indians when there were put on reservations.
And most importantly, lets not forget that the American Indians have fought in every war that this country has had.

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Assiniboine Amulet

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.

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

Eagle Medicine

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.

Available

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

A Time of Honor

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. 

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website

We are the Dreamer of Dreams

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.

Inquire

See more of my Western Art and American Indian paintings on My Website