Hosteen Yellow's Grandbaby, 1991 Painting by Ray Swanson

Artist's Depiction of Navaho Children, Ray Swanson

Best known for his emotion-charged portrayal of Native Americans, Ray Swanson is quoted as saying that he paints them "pretty much the way I see them, but I see what other people don't always see." The award-winning artist began painting the Navajo on their reservations in the early 1960's, when his imagination was captivated by the contrast between their traditional vivid clothing and the vast, rugged landscape in which they struggled to survive. His work is a tribute to the dignity and independence of a people living in harmony with nature.

The project is documented with a book, The Art of Ray Swanson: Celebrating People and Lifestyles, a magazine article from Art of the West, and a reprint of a magazine from Persimmon Hill.

Originally submitted by: John B. Shadegg, Representative (4th District).

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