Serigraph Image of Blue Spirit Horse [SOLD]

Many artists, both Native American and non-native, must resort to other occupations during their careers to make a living. The term “starving artist” certainly could have been applied to Pottawatomie artist Woody Crumbo, but in 1954, while living in Taos, New Mexico, he heard about a mail order course in prospecting. He ordered the $3 kit, and after searching the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, he and his partner, artist Max Evans, found rich deposits of beryllium, copper and uranium. Their discovery, which was estimated to be worth millions, allowed Crumbo to devote all of his time and energy to his first love—painting, as well as various philanthropic endeavors.

Woody Crumbo is best known for his detailed, colorful renditions of Native American dancers and whimsically colored animals. This blue spirit horse is one of his best known motifs. It was made by the silkscreen or serigraph method where multiple screens are used, each one laying on a separate color to create the image. Crumbo created a blue horse with flowing white mane and tail. It is set against a black background. The fine details of the horse’s face and body are set in tan and brown, giving the sense of movement to the subject.

Condition: The Serigraph Image of Blue Spirit Horse is in like-new condition. It is unframed and has been matted and shrink wrapped.

Provenance: The serigraph comes from the estate of a former New York collector.

Recommended Reading: Painting the Native World—Life, Land and Animals by Valerie Verzuh, et al.