Tahoma displayed a wide variety of styles in his paintings. He had a "quiet" period, a "peaceful" period and a "violent period." His quiet and peaceful periods were early and late in his career, with his violent period predominating for most of his art life.

Tahoma painted the proud Diné in everyday life on the reservation where he had grown up to the time of leaving for the Santa Fe Indian School at about age 12 or 13. When World War II broke out, he attempted to join the military service to serve with his many Native American friends who had joined, but a childhood accident which left his left arm deformed prevented his acceptance. He spent the war years in Santa Fe.

This painting of a young boy and girl running happily down the hill with their sheep and goat is a playful scene that makes one wonder if they were supposed to be tending the animals while they grazed but instead began running and playing with the animals.  It's the style of art that makes one smile.

Condition:  the painting is signed in lower right and dated '45.  It was painted on paper and appears to be in very good condition.  The original color of the paper had a tinge of blue but has mellowed to more grey in tone.  There is no damage however.  All the original materials have been replaced with acid-free materials and the painting placed back in the original wood frame.

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading: Quincy Tahoma the Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist by Charnell Havens and Vera Marie Badertscher