Fritz Scholder Oil on Canvas Regional Landscape Painting

A Monumental Vision: Fritz Scholder's Galisteo Landscape Maquette

Here, we are offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most influential figures in contemporary Native American art. While Fritz Scholder is a household name for his revolutionary "Indian Series," this 1985 landscape reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of his genius.

The Artist's Process: From Polaroid to Canvas

This work was created as a maquette (a detailed study) for a massive 68" x 80" masterwork. Its origin story is quintessentially New Mexican: Scholder was inspired by a Polaroid he took just south of Galisteo, capturing the raw, unpredictable drama of the high desert sky.

By owning this maquette, a collector is not just buying a painting; they are acquiring the "first draft" of a masterpiece — the moment Scholder's vision first met the board.

The Rarity of the Scholder Landscape

Scholder's arrival at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe in the 1960s forever changed the trajectory of Native art. While his "Indian Series" garnered global fame, his roots were deeply planted in the landscape. Throughout the '60s and '70s, Scholder obsessively painted the land. He returned to these vistas on and off throughout his career, but they remain much rarer on the market than his figurative work.

The composition is dominated by a towering, monumental cloud — pregnant with the threat of rain — hovering over a solitary dirt road cutting through an open field. The dark horizon line beneath the cloud creates a striking tension, a signature Scholder move that highlights the smaller, thinner clouds near the earth.

Exceptional Provenance

The history of this piece is impeccable. It was purchased directly from Romona Scholder, the artist's former wife and a significant figure in his life and legacy, approximately 35 years ago. This direct lineage ensures the work's authenticity and provides a storied connection to the artist's inner circle.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Fritz Scholder Oil on Canvas Regional Landscape Painting is from a New Mexico resident who purchased it from Romona Scolder 35 years ago.

Recommended Reading: FRITZ SCHOLDER New Paintings and Lithographs

TAGS: Fritz Scholder, Luiseño, Native American art, Santa Fe, lithographs, Albuquerque