Beatien Yazz Original Painting of Sprinting Fawn

This original painting was created by Beatien Yazz, an influential Diné artist.  Yazz was a prolific artist and a noted animal lover.  Fawns were a favorite subject, and they remain quite popular with his many collectors.  With this piece, Yazz created a wonderful variation using only black and white paint on off-white paper.

The black and white fawn portrayed by Beatien Yazz appears to be sprinting directly toward the viewer.  It turns its head sideways, perhaps in preparation for a sharp turn.  As per usual, the eyes and ears are somewhat exaggerated in size.  A small cluster of plants bends in the wind, amplifying the feeling of motion that is centered around the sprinting fawn.  Up above, two birds circle an otherwise unadorned sky. 

The painting is signed B. Yazz in the lower right.  It is framed beautifully using a black mat and a simple black frame.

Beatien Yazz (1928- ) Little No Shirt (Jimmy Toddy) is a Diné artist.  Clara Lee Tanner’s Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art provides a helpful description of his style: “He has adhered basically to casein and tempera, seldom using any other media. His coverage in subject matter has been broad, including many aspects of Navajo daily life, ceremonies, crafts, delightful portrayals of the wildlife of his native land—often with a humorous touch—amusements, and symbolic design… Keen ability is reflected in the versatility of his work developed in a variety of paintings ranging from notepaper and charming illustrations for children’s books to sophisticated easel painting…” (p. 346)

Did you know? All fawns lose their spots after they are three or four months old. Mother deer often hide their youngest baby deer in vegetation while they forage for food to protect them from natural predators. Source: Outdoors Being website.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Beatien Yazz Original Painting of Sprinting Fawn is from a private New Mexico collection

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: Navajo Reservation, Spin a Silver Dollar, Paint the Wind, paintings, Beatien Yazz, Navajo Nation Painter