Original Painting titled “Night Sky Indian Encampment” [SOLD]

Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Robert Draper created this dark, atmospheric depiction of a stormy Navajo Nation landscape and a lively encampment. It is titled "Night Sky Indian Encampment." A single hogan appears, but the family that occupies it is joined by many other people. Covered wagons and a number of campfires surround the hogan. Though distant, the energy of the group is apparent.

Further into the background, sandstone buttes and mesas appear. Those closest to the viewer exhibit the natural red tone, while those in the background are absorbed into the sky's dark blue tone. A full moon appears near the center of the image. The remainder of the scene is occupied by massive storm clouds, which send thick sheets of rain down to the land below.

The painting is signed Robert Draper in lower left. It is framed in a thin metal frame with matting in dark blue.

Diné artist Robert Draper (1938-2000) was born with the name Robert Martin (son of Janet Descheeny, Navajo, and Frank Martin, Hopi - Laguna) in Chinle, Arizona. From the age of two, he lived with his grandparents. He was given their surname of Draper when he entered school at the age of eight. He attended Chinle Boarding School on the Navajo Reservation, Intermountain Indian School in Utah for four years, and the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. He served a tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. Draper strayed from the two-dimensional style of painting that was favored by his peers, instead focusing on painting in a more European style. He is best known for his realistic scenes of the Navajo Reservation's beautiful landscape.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Original Painting titled "Night Sky Indian Encampment" is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: a changing art by Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS:  Hopi - Laguna, Fine Art - Native American Paintings, Diné of the Navajo Nation