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.

Sundown - cowboy

Sundown, 36 x 30, SOLD

This Cowboy just found a new home. I enjoyed painting the colorful clouds at sundown.

The Cowboy is wearing the typical regalia of hat, vest, and pocket watch

Cowboy's Sweetheart

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

I worked on the faces again. I think this is it. I couldn't decide if I should leave it as a sepia tone painting or if I should layer on some color.

What do you think?

SOLD

Cowboy's Sweetheart - Work in progress 5

Cowboy's Sweetheart, work in progress

Almost there

Cowboy's Sweetheart - Work In Progress 4

Cowboy's Sweetheart, work in progress

It's coming together

Cowboy's Sweetheart - Work in Progress 3

Cowboy's Sweetheart, Work in progress

I have basics down so now I just have to refine everything

Cowboy's Sweetheart - Work in Progress 2

Cowboy's Sweetheart , work in progress, day 2.
Today I continued working on the faces and hats of the left and center figure as well as applying the first layer of paint to the left figure's clothing.
When I do an underpainting like this, I start my mixing about 6 values of paint. These are not very precise mixtures. I do this just to make things go faster.

Cowboy's Sweetheart - Work in progress

Cowboy's Sweetheart, Work in progress
I had a few folks asked me to post images of my work in progress so here it it.

FirstI draw the image on tracing paper the size of the canvas. Then, with carbon paper, I transfer the image to the canvas.

I start my paintings in different ways, depending on the subject and the colors. In this case I'm starting with a monochromatic (raw umber and white)underpainting. This is the results of 1 day's work

A Recent Question - Eagle Feathers

I recently had someone ask this question:

Q.I think the feathers in some of your paintings seem to be too large in relation to the man or woman's size. My eagle feathers aren't that big. Just wondering. By the way I think you're beautiful so this is kind of a backward compliment.

A.I always thought that I was exaggerating the size of the feathers (artistic license, LOL) but take a look at this photo I recently came across) WOW! Those are some feathers! Can you imagine the size of that bird?

Any other question? I'll be happy to give my opinion

Bon Voyage Hummingbirds

If you've been following me on Facebook, you know that I've been feeding the hummingbirds this summer. After over 140 lbs of sugar they are finally thinning out and making there way to sunny Mexico , Guatemala and there about.

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.

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

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A Successful art show!

Quiet of the Moon, 30 x 30, oil on canvas

I'm pleased to announce that all participating artists in Gallery 822's annual Indian Market show enjoyed success. Large crowds attended the openings and art work was sold.