Untitled Painting of a Plains Indian [SOLD]

Tillier Wesley (1955-2006) was a Muscogee Creek painter who was born in 1955 in Oklahoma City.  According to his son Micah, Tillier Wesley was “4/4 (Full Blood) Muscogee (Creek) Nation (Mvskoke).”  The self-taught painter passed away in 2006 from complications caused by cancer.

This charming untitled painting, completed on artist board using opaque watercolors, will be appreciated by anyone with an appreciation of Plains Indian imagery.  Wesley’s depiction of a Native American, seen from behind, is very well-executed. The artist’s color choices—the soft purple in the center of the image, in particular—are unusual.  His finely detailed feathers, drum and prayer staff are rewarding to the viewer who chooses to take a close look at the piece.

The artist board upon which the image is painted is mounted and framed beautifully.  It is signed “T. Wesley” in its lower left corner.

Condition: this Untitled Painting of a Plains Indian is in excellent, original condition

Provenance: from the large collection of a Santa Fe resident who is downsizing

Recommended Reading: Southwest Profile, November-December 1987