Original Female Figurative Painting by Fritz Scholder c.1995

While best known for his bold, often abstracted depictions of Native American identity, Fritz Scholder's foundation as a painter was deeply rooted in working from life. This striking acrylic painting on paper is a rare window into that lesser-known aspect of his practice. Likely part of his Mystery Woman series and painted around 1995, the piece reveals how Scholder's command of the figure informed his more conceptual work. With expressive brushwork and fearless color choices, this painting confirms that Scholder, though known for abstraction, never strayed far from the immediacy and discipline of observation.

The composition is alive with contrast and painterly nuance. Luminous yellows cascade across the background, creating a vivid backdrop that makes the central figure visually leap forward. Scholder's handling of acrylic achieves a remarkable interplay of opacity and transparency: lighter areas are painted with a solid, tactile presence, while darker tones — particularly the electric blue-violet washes in the face, outline of the body, and scarf — glow with layered intensity. The figure confronts the viewer with the directness and psychological charge characteristic of Scholder's best work.

This piece was originally part of the personal collection of Romona Scholder, a significant presence in Scholder's life and career. Romona was instrumental in organizing and preserving Scholder's legacy. Her stewardship of this work adds an important layer of provenance and suggests the piece held personal and artistic significance.

Off the market since it was sold from her collection to a private collector in Greenwich in the early 2000s, this marks only the second opportunity to acquire this powerful and intimate work by one of the most influential Native American artists of the 20th century. Signed in graphite pencil in the upper right corner.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Female Figurative Painting by Fritz Scholder c.1995 is from an associate of Ramona Scholder.

Recommended Reading:

- FRITZ SCHOLDER New Paintings and Lithographs

- FRITZ SCHOLDER LITHOGRAPHS text by Clinton Adams

TAGS: Fritz Scholder, Luiseño, Native American art, Santa Fe, lithographs, Albuquerque