Fritz Scholder, Luise–o Mission Native Indian, 1937-2005. Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota. Abstract figure-Indian and animal painting. Similar artists: John W. Nieto, Dan Namingho, T. C. Cannon, Frank Buffalo Hyde. Influenced by: Francis Bacon, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art.

This untitled watercolor on paper portrait is signed upper right in graphite, and numbered 3 upper left in graphite. 30 x 21.75 in. sheet,38 x 29.5 in. frame

Elaine Horwich Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ

Private Collection, MN

Scholder studied art at Sacramento State University with Wayne Thiebaud. Scholder is regarded by many as a leader of the New American Indian Art movement. Among his successes were the Smithsonian holding a two-person exhibit of his work with T.C. Cannon in 1972, a solo show at the Heard Museum, being featured in a PBS documentary, teaching at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, and over a dozen published books on the artist. Living in Santa Fe and witnessing the alienation of Native Americans had a large impact upon the main theme for his artwork. In the late 1960s he shocked audiences while revolutionizing modern art on the subject of Indians living in America. His paintings are described as somber and surreal paintings with swift brushwork. The colors he used were often intense, inspired by Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. This painting is a fine example of Scholder's vigorous dripping and smearing techniques applied to the bust of a figure centered in the composition. His portrayal of figures is known for sweeping, generous brushstrokes that present subject with a boldness of color and forward expression. Many artists are indebted to Scholder today, since he successfully set Native Americans in the present reality through contemporary art style.