"Mud Buffalo" Portiat of My Son

Here is my latest piece a long awaited drawing that I have been hesitant to start. This is a charcoal on a gesso

board. I haven't done a drawing like this since High School. After visiting with a local Gallery and meeting up with my High School Art teacher Mr. "W" for short prompted this sketch. I had taken this photo of Weston at a local Rendezvous while he was in persona and yes he has "attitude" at times. My brother Mike and I dressed him up for a photo shoot. The name of this piece comes from another Rendezvous outing when both my boys decided to play in the creek,so I thought. After a while they stumbled back into camp covered head to toe with mud, since then Weston acquired the name Mud Buffalo from me... I think it turned out well, now I must purchase a frame that's gonna cost some bucks not just any frame maybe a gold plaited that shines clean.....

Red Ochred Bison

This little guy measures 4" tall and 6" long minus tail made of all natural raw materials that would have been found on the western plains in circa 1850. Constructed of rough cut lumber, file branded ( when a metal file is heated then burned into the wood an old technique used by plain Indians), horns are from a porcupine claws, tail of real buffalo Fur , mule deer dew claw, painted with Wyoming mined red ocher and last a medicine beaded ball is attached by a wrapping of antelope rawhide. So much to say for an authentic looking piece.. I would like to make some more a bit larger in the future....chris

Contrary Buffalo Head Mask

Here is a Contrary Buffalo Head Dance Mask this idea came about while drying the bison head into its shape. I had hair slippage around the nose area and it dawned upon me to alter its appearance.. The saying "washes with dirt and drys with water" well it came through. Believe me it was a chore to altar the appearance of the great Tatanka.. The blood red is a natural pigment that was painted on the inside and out.. This piece was short lived in my collection as he was played with many young children and many many photos later..
Early artist like George Catlin, and Carl Bobmer observed such dances, as I wish I would have been there with them.......