Original Painting of Navajo Hogan Scene by Baje Whitethorne [SOLD]

In this lovely little watercolor, Baje Whitethorne has captured the unique beauty of a traditional Navajo home site. In the center of the canvas rests a hogan, or Navajo house. There are different types of hogans, this type is constructed of wooden poles and mud. The doorway of each hogan opens to the east so the inhabitants can greet the morning sun as well as good blessings. The artist added a sheep pen and a ramada off to the side. All of the structures sit under a wide blue sky filled with billowing clouds, as is so typical of the reservation. Look closely, can you can find Whitethorne’s iconic folding chair? The piece is signed and dated 1989.

His colorful paintings often include a traditional Navajo home site, including a hogan and an outside ramada for shade. In most of his pieces is a small folding chair, popularly regarded as Baje's personal trademark. He is quoted as saying: "When I was a boy, my parents and grandparents brought home a new card table with six metallic blue chairs. In the summer months, I would put my face against the cool seat of the chairs. Now, I include the chair in my artwork because it reminds me of my boyhood and because it draws people into my artwork when they try to find it."

Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (1950- ) Giggling Boy was born near Shonto, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation. His mother was an accomplished weaver and he grew up surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Navajo Nation. As a child, he spent time listening to traditional stories of Navajo creation, herding sheep and working with animals. At a young age, it was apparent he had artistic talent. He attended boarding school in Tuba City where he took art classes and later attended Grand Canyon College, the University of Northern Arizona and Boilermaker National Apprenticeship Program in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

After a career in working as a boilermaker, he focused full time on his art career. He has combined his love for storytelling and drawing into a successful career as an writer and illustrator of children’s books.  He has illustrated eight award-winning children’s books, two of which he authored. He has his work in museums world-wide and is the recipient of numerous prizes for his artwork.

Condition: The Original Painting of Navajo Hogan Scene by Baje Whitethorne is in excellent condition.

Provenance: from a Santa Fe collector who is moving to Colorado and downsizing their collection

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

Relative Links: Baje Whitethorne, Sr., Navajo, Fine Art - Native American Paintings