Accomplished Double Portrait Pastel Drawing by Clifford Beck

This accomplished double portrait by Clifford Beck captures two Native American men in profile, side by side — a subtle yet striking juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. One figure wears a head covering adorned with a medallion, while the other sports a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. The contrast suggests a thoughtful nod to both cultural heritage and contemporary identity.

Beck's mastery of pastel is on full display here. The drawing alternates between areas of refined detail and expressive looseness. Smudged and gestural strokes create a sense of movement and atmosphere, drawing the viewer's eye in and out of focus across the composition. The result is a portrait that feels alive with presence and memory.

Clifford Beck (1946-1995), a Diné artist from near Piñon, Arizona, was one of the first Navajo students to attend college under a tribal scholarship. He studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts, where he was influenced by Impressionist painters — especially Edgar Degas — and embraced pastels as his primary medium. After teaching at Navajo Community College, he pursued art full time, gaining national recognition for his intimate, human-centered portraits. This signed but undated drawing is a strong example of his nuanced approach to capturing identity and spirit through portraiture.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Accomplished Double Portrait Pastel Drawing by Clifford Beck is from an estate in Santa Fe.

Recommended Reading: Biographical Directory of Native American Painters by Patrick Lester

TAGS: Patrick Swazo Hind, Navajo Reservation, Native American Paintings, Clifford Beck