J. D. Roybal Original Watercolor Painting with Rainbow and Koshari [SOLD]

This original watercolor painting was created by San Ildefonso Pueblo artist J.D. Roybal.  In the center of the image, a small tree rises from behind a basket full of bread.  Skunks peer out in opposite directions from behind the basket, reaching their open mouths toward slices of watermelon.  The watermelon slices are being offered by a pair of generous Koosa Clowns.  Roybal’s work with these figures is, as always, deep and detailed.

The earth beneath their feet is represented here by a stylized Avanyu design band.  Up above, a rainbow design arches over the scene, ending at the Avanyus’ heads.  A sun design hovers behind the rainbow’s peak, and two kiva step designs reach diagonally into the sky.  The general layout of this image—a stylized rainbow design framing a sweet snapshot of Pueblo life—is one that dates to the early days of San Ildefonso painting.  Roybal’s version maintains the style and whimsy of those earlier works but adds a slightly more modern level of depth and dimension. 

The painting is signed J.D. Roybal in lower right.  It is not framed, but it is mounted in all the necessary materials save for the frame itself.  The buyer can take it to a framer and select a frame.

José Disiderio “J. D.” Roybal (1922-1978) Oquwa - Rain God was a talented and accomplished painter from San Ildefonso Pueblo.  He is best known for his colorful and detailed depictions of San Ildefonso ceremonial rituals. He was a prolific artist, producing many small, single-figure pieces for sale.  Most of these works—in keeping with the “flat” style favored by Pueblo painters of the time—contain no background or ground plane. Roybal painted a bit during his youth but became much more productive during the 1950s.  He exhibited and sold his works most frequently and successfully during the 1960s.  He was the nephew of early San Ildefonso painter Awa Tsireh.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this J. D. Roybal Original Watercolor Painting with Rainbow and Koshari is from the collection of a Texas resident

Recommended Reading: Clara Lee Tanner.  Southwest Indian Painting: a Changing Art

Relative Links: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Tonita and Juan Cruz Roybal, Alfonso Roybal - Awa Tsireh, painting, Tewa, J.D. Roybal, San Ildefonso Pueblo Painter