Untitled Southwest Painting of a Young Navajo Girl and her Lamb [SOLD]

A life of patience and fortitude paid off for Vladan Stiha.  He had been born in Yugoslavia and departed his home country when it was invaded during World War II.  He attempted to immigrate to the United States but the quota was full so he went to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and ten years later, moved to Sao Paula, Brazil. It was during the twenty years he spent in South America that he developed his impressionistic style and use of vivid colors—rich colors based on those so visible in the landscapes and clothing of the colorful peasants he witnessed.

Stiha, accidently or purposely, located his studio across the street from the American Embassy in Brazil.  He already had a celebrated reputation as an artist and was recognized by personnel at the American Consulate.  He was, after 20 years, offered and accepted citizenship to the United States.  He was 62 years of age at the time.  The Stihas first settled on the West Coast for a short period but then moved to Santa Fe and opened the Stiha Gallery in the historic La Fonda Hotel in 1971.

The Stihas traveled extensively after moving to Santa Fe, visiting Indian reservation after reservation, soaking in the culture, the colors, the landscapes. He then transferred his visual experiences to canvas.  He never painted from photographs.  He was a celebrated Western artist who painted landscapes, Native ceremonies, and portraits of Native Americans such as this charming portrait of a young Navajo girl holding her lamb.  He was enchanted with his new-found home in the Southwest and left a legacy of paintings for all to share and enjoy.

This painting is signed in lower right Stiha but is not dated.  It is reasonable to say that it dates from the 1970s or 1980s.  It is beautifully framed and ready to hang and enjoy.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in Denver, Colorado