Original Painting “Boy on Burro, Colt, and Puppy” by Harrison Begay

"Boy on Burro, Colt, and Puppy" is a tender and evocative original painting by Diné (Navajo) artist Harrison Begay, also known as "Haskay Yahne Yah" which translates to "The Wandering Boy". Painted in acrylic on mat board (no date), the piece captures a quietly powerful coming-of-age moment: a young boy, almost too small for the colt he rides, stands alongside his sturdy burro and devoted puppy. Together, they are a part of a serene pastoral setting that speaks to the early responsibilities and quiet strength that mark the transition from childhood.

The painting is composed on a parchment-colored mat board, which acts as a subtle yet warm backdrop, enhancing the vibrancy of the colors. At the center of the composition, the boy's blue-violet shirt stands out as the primary focal point, harmonizing with the surrounding colors and anchoring the viewer's gaze. As in all of Begay's work, the line work here is exceptional — fluid yet precise — contributing to the quiet elegance of the scene.

The colors resonate with a subtle energy, lending the painting a soft luminosity that complements its calm and reflective mood. The boy's forward gaze suggests a sense of awareness and responsibility beyond his years, capturing a moment of stillness and introspection as he looks toward what lies ahead.

Harrison Begay (1917-2012) was a self-taught painter who studied under Dorothy Dunn at the Santa Fe Indian School. He became one of the most successful and influential early Native American artists, celebrated for his distinct style and deeply rooted Navajo subject matter. Though he was best known for his watercolors and silkscreen prints, this acrylic work beautifully showcases his ability to express emotion, tradition, and cultural identity with refined simplicity and grace.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting "Boy on Burro, Colt, and Puppy" by Harrison Begay is from a collector in Rio Rancho, NM.

Recommended Reading: Indian Art: The Dorothy Dunn Collection of Native American Paintings, published in El Palacio, Winter 1977

TAGS: Navajo Nation, Native American Paintings, Harrison Begay, Diné of the Navajo Nation Painter