Beatien Yazz Original Painting of Sprinting Blue Fawn [SOLD]

This original painting was made by Diné painter Beatien Yazz.  The influential Diné artist painted many images like this one during his long career.  They remain very popular with collectors, and for good reason. They’re sweet, beautiful, and consistently well-crafted, with strong colors and attractive decorative elements.  When we first looked at this piece, we believed it to be similar to others we’ve handled in the past.  A closer look revealed one of Yazz’ favorite subjects depicted in an unusual situation.

The common subject is a blue fawn.  This one, like the others, is incredibly endearing.  Its ever-so-slightly open mouth and wide, expressive eye seem to have been designed to tug at the heartstrings of the animal lover, and they most certainly succeed.  The unusual situation is a chase scene—the sweet little fawn is being chased by three hornets.  They are in close pursuit, pointing their stingers toward the fawn as they fly through the air.  With this piece, Yazz added a welcome element of excitement to one of his favorite scenes.

The painting is signed B. Yazz in the lower right. It is framed under plexi in a wood frame.

Beatien Yazz (1928-2012) was a Diné artist.  He is known for his beautiful, sensitive portrayals of Diné people and the wildlife of the Navajo Nation.  He is reported to have been an animal lover, which makes sense given his prolific creation of animal-centric images.  With money he earned selling his paintings, he purchased a horse and named it Sliver [sic].  Yazz had listened to “The Lone Ranger” on the radio and named his beloved animal after the titular character’s horse Silver, but misspelled the name when writing it out.  He also had a small dog and a chicken named McNugget.  Yazz’ animal images remain very popular among his many collectors.

Condition: excellent condition

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

Recommended Reading: YAZZ Navajo Painter by Wagner and Brody

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