Paints by western artist Howard Terpning

Paints by western artist Howard Terpning.

 

Most Indians favored paint horses, when they could pick and choose, and as they mastered the techniques of selective breeding, they often bred to achieve that coloration. These are Crow warriors, both with lances and war shields, the one in front carrying a tubular rawhide case containing a religious medicine bundle typical for his tribe. It was usual for young men who had successfully finished their vision quests to decorate themselves and their shields according to instructions received from a spirit guide, and to make up a personal medicine bundle which would contain items pertaining to their individual medicine or power. The decorations on the knife sheath and arrow quivers are particularly detailed in this painting.

 

The artist says he was intrigued by the opportunity here of using positive negative patterns of brown and white, an interplay of darks and lights. (The Art of Howard Terpning - Elmer Kelton).

 

Print released 1983.