Original Painting of an Appaloosa Horse [SOLD]

Clara Lee Tanner, in her book Southwest Indian Painting: a changing art, compares Robert Chee to Harrison Begay in his strong ability to handle a great many colors and his tendency to stress the "intensity of tone in small areas." Chee, especially later in his very short life, could also be compared stylistically to Beatien Yazz.

Chee was a student of Allan Houser and was at the height of his career during the late 1950s. Yazz had begun painting much earlier than Chee. That said, Chee adopted the usage of ground lines, hills and plant life further along in his career, as did Yazz. One can notice how both artists' styles seem to mirror each other when one focuses and compares the terrain, flora and whimsical theme in their paintings. Could it be that Yazz had an influence on Chee's work? One could definitely speculate!

The treatment of the horse in a manner that gives a full view of his magnificence is typical of Chee's presentation.  The Appaloosa is standing still and looking forward as if there is something to see.  The rock formation in the left background and the small hogan in the right background are descriptive of the location of the scene, that is, on the Navajo reservation.

Condition:  The painting appears to be in original condition; however it has not been examined out of the frame.  The mat appears to be acid free and the condition of the backing paper is indicative of a recently framed image. 

Provenance: from a California collector of Native arts

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