Masterful Tempera Painting by Rance Hood [SOLD]

This striking tempera painting "Instructions for War" from 1966, masterfully composed and skillfully executed, depicts Comanche warriors braving a fierce storm as they prepare for battle. In the foreground, one warrior counts enemies on his fingers, while the other two strategize, their focus intense. In the background, two figures on horseback vigilantly scan the horizon. Rance Hood's attention to composition is exceptional—the sharp diagonal of the spear, accented with blue, guides the viewer's gaze through the huddled figures, emphasizing the tension of the moment. Despite the absence of unnecessary detail, Hood brilliantly captures the urgency and danger of the scene through subtle touches, such as the windswept hair of the warriors. Set against a warm, dark gray-brown background, the painting is rich with captivating elements, like the sweeping line of birds that cuts across the composition, intersecting with the spear tip of the central figure. This painting is a testament to Hood's ability to convey drama and intrigue with precision and elegance.

Born in 1941, Rance Hood, also known as Au Tup Ta (Yellow Hair) is one of the few Native American artists who continues to paint in a style deeply rooted in traditional Indian culture and spirituality. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Hood was raised by his maternal grandparents, who instilled in him Comanche values. He spoke only Comanche until he began school at age six, learning to navigate both Native and white worlds.

After his grandparents' passing, Hood left school to work on oil rigs and rode the rodeo circuit. A brief stay in California with his brother sparked his passion for painting his culture, and soon after, he began selling his art. Returning to Oklahoma in the 1960s, Hood dedicated himself to studying Native art techniques and quickly gained recognition, including first place in the Plains Division at the prestigious Philbrook Museum in Tulsa.

While Hood has introduced some abstract elements into his work, he remains committed to the traditional style of his Plains Indian ancestors, maintaining his position as one of the most respected and successful Native American artists today.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Masterful Tempera Painting by Rance Hood is from a collector in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas by Dorothy Dunn, 1968

TAGS: Comanche Nation, Native American Paintings, Rance Hood