Beatien Yazz Large Painting of Deer in Snowy Landscape [SOLD]

This original painting was created in 1986 by Diné artist Beatien Yazz.  It’s a large and impressive piece, within which Yazz managed to include a fine landscape and many animals.  The wildlife of the Navajo Nation inspired a great many Yazz paintings, but he continually discovered fresh presentations and new perspectives.  One of his best-known styles featured portraits of fawns.  Yazz would exaggerate their facial features slightly, making his subjects even more endearing than they are in the natural world.  These paintings—we’ve heard them referred to as “Bambi” paintings by many—remain very popular with Yazz collectors, and for good reason.   This piece, however, uses a more realistic and natural style.  That decision makes sense, given the detailed landscape within which they exist.

In the foreground, Yazz placed three deer.  They stand still, with their heads turned to the left, possibly assessing a threat in the distance.  They are surrounded on all sides by rabbits and birds, at least one of which seems to be staring in the same direction as the deer.  They stand in about six inches of snow.  The storm has passed and the sky in the foreground is clear. Further into the background, however, it continues—the sky in the distance is dark gray, with waves of white and blue adding motion and depth.  Yazz’ limited color palette suits this scene perfectly, amplifying the mood while remaining true to the natural world.  With this piece, Beatien Yazz successfully captured the stark beauty of the desert during winter.

The painting is signed B. Yazz and dated ‘86 in lower right.  It is framed under a crisp white mat in a carved wood frame.

Beatien Yazz (1928-2012) Little No Shirt (Jimmy Toddy)  was an influential Diné artist who began painting at the age of eight.  During his long career he exhibited widely, received a great many awards and accolades, and became known internationally for his work.  His works are included in many prominent public collections and most of the major publications relating to early Native painting.  In the late 1980s, his eyesight began to deteriorate due to glaucoma.  He continued painting,but was unable to work at the level he had previously.  Yazz passed away in 2012.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Beatien Yazz Large Painting of Deer in Snowy Landscape is from a private New Mexico collection

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, Clara Lee Tanner

Relative Links: Navajo Reservation, Spin a Silver Dollar, Paint the Wind, paintings, Beatien Yazz, Navajo Nation Painter