Original Painting of Moon, Flowers, Bees and Rainbow [SOLD]

The Balcomb family had an art gallery in Gallup, New Mexico, in the 1960s and was a supporter of Pablita Velarde and Helen Hardin.  In the fall of 1962, Mrs. Balcomb featured an exhibit of paintings by this mother/daughter team and both artists were dressed in traditional pueblo clothing.  Fortunately the staff recorded the event in photographs. 

Just over Helen’s left shoulder in the photograph is the framed painting presented here that she painted when only 19 years old.  It has been in the Balcomb family since that exhibit and is now being offered by a member of the family.

The painting features a moon, flower, bees and rainbow in beautiful pastel shades of turquoise, orange and yellow.  The background is purple applied over an orange base.  It was either a spray technique or applied using a roller technique. 

This painting is clear evidence that Helen had already developed, early in her career, a unique style bordering on the abstract.  She continued in this modernist approach throughout her career.  The painting is a wonderful example of Helen’s earliest works and is well documented as to date and provenance.  It is signed in lower right with her Tewa name and a spruce tree.

Condition: appears to be in original condition

Provenance: from the Balcomb family who has owned it since it was painted in 1962.

Recommended Reading: Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin by Jay Scott.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Image Source:  the photo copies (of original polaroid’s) of Pablita Velarde and Helen Hardin appear courtesy of the current owner of this painting who actually took the photographs.  The photo copies are included with this painting.