J.D. Roybal (José Disiderio Roybal) was encouraged to paint in 1930 by his day school teacher but did not become productive as a painter until the 1950s, and was most productive in the 1960-70 decade. He painted primarily in the traditional pueblo style while adding touches that are uniquely his own. Roybal used water-based paints. He developed fine color, excellent detail, small and fine lines, and gesturing figures in his work.

Roybal was particularly fond of painting Koosa (Tewa Clowns), often involving watermelons. In this image, however, he has pictured the clowns imitating Pueblo Buffalo Dancers, perhaps mocking them in their dance. I think Roybal possessed as much humor as the clowns themselves.

This painting is large compared with most of those Roybal painted. Generally, he painted postcard size pieces, but this is considerably larger.

Condition: The painting appears to be in original condition; however, it has not been examined out of frame.

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frances Balcomb, owner of Balcomb’s Gallery, at one time located in Arizona, then Taos, Gallup, and Albuquerque, but closed since 1976.