The Return of the Buffalo – Ghost Dress

The Return of the Buffalo is an oil painting on canvas, 30 x 40.

The dress is an Arapaho Ghost Dress that would have been worn in the Ghost Dance. It was said that performing the Ghost Dance would peacefully end the dominance of the white Man and return abundance to the land, including the return of the Buffalo.

The Thunderbird and New Moon symbolize the beginning of a new life. The woman dressed in red holding the Sacred Pipe and a branch from the holy cedar tree, represents adherence to the tribal culture. The Morning star in day and night are above her left and right. The stars are symbols of the universe being called upon to help them

This painting is available at K. Henderson Studio

 

Gifts from the Ocean – American Indian

Gifts from the Ocean is 30 x 36, oil on canvas.

Plains women made dresses out of skins, wool and cloth and would decorate them with natural local items and trade items.

Elk eye teeth were often used.The number of teeth used was a sign of wealth. A cheaper substitute for teeth were cowrie shells which were a Trade item. The shape of the shell was similar to teeth and gave the same decorative effect.

This painting shows a red velvet dress with many cowrie shells

To see more of my work please view my website

 

Blue Feather – American Indian

Blue Feather, oil on canvas, 20 x 30.

Parrots and macaws have been part of the American Indian culture for centuries. The South Americans traded the birds with their North American friends. Parrots carried prayers for Sun and Rain.

The birds were kept for their feathers and color. The birds were valuable possessions and denoted the wealth of the owner.

This painting is available at K. Henderson Studio

 

Western Art Collector – Spirits in the Wind Gallery

When the Moon Rises

Be sure and pick up a copy of the February issue of Western Art Collector magazine. There is an article featuring a two-person show at Spirits in the Wind Gallery in Golden CO. The show, Contemporary and Historical Art, will include my art as well as sculptor Jerry McKellar.

When the Moon Rises, 30 x 36, oil on canvas will be one of the featured paintings

The show will run the month of February. For more information contact Spirits in the Wind Gallery

 

The Warriors Prayer – American Indian

The Warriors Prayer, 36 x 30, oil on canvas. This Plains Indian Wears eagle feathers in his hair and on his shield. The red stripes on his face represent tears for those that have fallen in battle.

His regalia also includes a scarf, a scarf slide made from a shell, and a beaded shirt.

The red trade cloth on the shield is used to cover the shield when not in use.

 

I Want to Believe – American Indian

“I Want to Believe” is an older painting. oil on canvas, 40 x 48. It was completed in 1998. During that time I painted several large paintings with 3 figures.

I really like the strong colors in this piece. I’m revisiting so of my older pieces to inspire some new work. I think it’s time to do a new painting with the bold colors again

 

Why I paint American Indians

I recently was asked this question and thought you may be wondering the same:

“I’m not going to ask the usual questions, about photos, models ect. But why Indians?”

Good question “Why Indians?”

I think it’s because of where and when I was raised.
I grew up in Oklahoma, Land of the Red man. I lived there most of my life until I moved to New Mexico. So American Indians are familiar to me.

I also grew up when television was dominated by Cowboys and Indians. American Indians are nostalgic for me.

I’m also of Cherokee heritage so American Indians are family to me.