Original Diné Watercolor “Trading Seeds” by Ha So De [SOLD]

This original watercolor painting was created by Diné artist Narciso Abeyta. This painting, titled “Trading Seeds,” is a particularly sweet image from one of our favorite artists.  Abeyta’s subjects here are two Diné women.  The woman on the right appears to be a bit older than the one on the left—a mother, or mentor, perhaps.  Abeyta often outlined his subjects in wild, non-naturalistic colors.  Here, his work is subtle and restrained, reminding the viewer that Abeyta’s work shines even when it veers closer to the traditional.  His unique style is present—note the older woman’s blanket and skirt, or the melons and squash situated at each corner of the rug upon which the women sit—but it’s dialed back a bit for this scene. Abeyta’s color choices are always gorgeous, and this piece is no exception.  This painting’s color scheme—maroon and blue, mostly, with brighter colors appearing around the edges—mirrors the composition’s subtle strength. “Trading Seeds” is a simple, beautiful, serene painting from one of the greatest Diné painters.

Abeyta (or “Ha So De,” as he is more frequently referred to) has become one of our favorite Native painters, and we are always pleased to offer his works to our clients. His works are unique and immensely appealing; and his style has aged well in the years since his passing.  We cannot keep these paintings on the walls for long; they are usually claimed by enthusiastic collectors shortly after appearing on the market.  The painting is signed “Ha So De” in lower right.  It is framed beautifully, under a wide white mat with a maroon interior band.  The frame itself is elaborate and attractive, and the presentation as a whole is powerful.

Narciso Platero Abeyta (1918-1998) Ha So De - Fiercely Ascending was a Navajo painter and silversmith who was born in Correo, New Mexico in 1920. He was also, among other things, a Golden Gloves boxer and one of the hundreds of Navajo Code Talkers who served in the Marines during World War II. Abeyta studied at the Santa Fe Indian School and attended the University of New Mexico after his World War II service ended.  He and wife Sylvia Ann had seven children, many of whom—Tony Abeyta, Elizabeth Abeyta Rohrscheib and Pablita Abeyta—became notable artists themselves. He is highly revered by collectors of Native American paintings, and his works are included in numerous prestigious public and private collections.

Santa Fe Indian School instructor Dorothy Dunn commented on his abilities in her book American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas: "Ha-So-De developed a markedly unique style, although, in his formative period, his admiration for the work of (Navajo painter Andy) Tsihnahjinnie could be clearly seen. It was a fine influence and used honorably by the younger painter. His paintings of hunt and home scenes were broad in brushwork and flowing in line, at times appearing almost nonchalant. He was never concerned with small detail but only with the sweep and dash of movement in wild, free scenes. His was a positive art."  He received further education at the University of New Mexico, where he studied under famous modernist painter Raymond Jonson.  Abeyta passed away in 1998.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Original Diné Watercolor "Trading Seeds" by Ha So De is from a Texas collector who had purchased it from an Arizona dealer

Reference: Dunn, Dorothy.  American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas

Relative Links: Dorothy Dunn, Andy Tsihnahjinnie, Raymond Jonson, Tony Abeyta, Elizabeth Abeyta Rohrscheib, Native American paintings, Diné of the Navajo Nation, Narciso Platero Abeyta, Ha So De - Fiercely Ascending