J.D. Roybal (José Disiderio Roybal) did not become productive as a painter until the 1950s, and was most productive in the 1960s 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.

One of the more popular paintings by Roybal is that of a Buffalo Dance. Here he has painted two male Buffalo Dancers and a female dancer. In the background are pueblo homes.

Condition: The painting is in original condition.

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.

Reference and Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art (click here to view details of book) by Clara Lee Tanner. (This out-of-print book may be available from Adobe Gallery)