Native American Drawn Art of Red Earth Arts

Native American born and raised in Oklahoma. Culture of the Ponca and Otoe Missouria tribes of Oklahoma. Member of the Ponca tribe. Father was Otoe Missouria (Buffalo clan) and Mother is a Ponca tribal elder, of the Eagle Clan. She is a granddaughter of Horse Chief Eagle, great grand daughter of White Eagle.

Having started painting early in life at the age of 14, my love for art continued to grow as I did. I was never told you can't do that. I was always encouraged to paint. My schooling involved watercolor artist (now retired) Gene Dourghty Northern Oklahoma Jr. College Tonkawa, Okla. The Late Dr. Richard West Sr. at Haskell Indian Junior College. Dr. West played a much bigger influence on my life with his teaching techniques, stayed with me all my life.

Today I paint on a tablet and use a pen. Even though it is digital art, everything I do is still hand painted like the old fashioned way. I merely traded my paint tools in for a digital pen and tablet. I don't use any "paint over programs" which only transfers a photo into a painting style like Monet or Van Gogh. Many hours go into each one of my paintings. Sometimes even months. No shortcuts.

My Grandmother was of the Owl clan, and a Medicine woman. She helped heal people from everywhere. I always think about her when I paint Owls. Her influence on me was one of good, and kindness to everyone, and everything in Nature. I am very mindful of what God has given to us. The four seasons, the four directions, the four elements fire, water, air, and earth. How everything has a place in this world, and must be respected.

I am a father of four wonderful children. Three sons, and a daughter. My wife of five years comes from Germany, and is the single most influence of my art. She is my best critic, and she keeps me on my toes. I pretty much needed that!

I am currently in the middle of a series of paintings I am doing of the 7 clans of the Otoe Missouria. The Eagle, Owl, and Elk clan paintings are complete. I am still working on the Beaver, Pigeon, Bear, and Buffalo clans.

This painting is NOT for sale, it is of my Great Grandfather, and for family only.