Harry Warren 1980 Native American Portrait on Doe Hide

Impressive 1980 mixed-media painting on doe hide by Navajo artist Harry Warren, signed and dated. Executed with airbrush and pastel, the portrait depicts a Native American elder adorned in turquoise jewelry, feathers, and concho-style ornaments. The natural hide surface provides both organic texture and cultural resonance, making the work visually striking and symbolically rich.

Harry Warren, from the Red Mesa area of the Navajo Nation, is a respected painter, art educator, and maker of traditional sand-cast jewelry. His works have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and are admired for blending traditional materials with contemporary technique. Warren’s paintings on hide are especially prized for their powerful depictions of Navajo heritage and identity.

Framed in a rustic wood frame and protected under glass, this large-scale piece is both a collectible fine artwork and a commanding decorative display.

Condition:
Excellent condition with no damage noted. Colors remain vibrant, and the doe hide is intact and well-preserved under glass in its original rustic frame.

Dimensions:
Overall (framed): 61 × 36 ¼ × 2 ¼ inches

Artist Biography: Harry Warren (Navajo, b. mid-20th century)

Harry Warren is a respected Navajo artist from the Red Mesa area of the Navajo Nation, known for his vivid paintings on natural hides as well as his contributions to traditional Navajo jewelry. His work reflects a deep connection to Diné culture and identity, often portraying tribal elders, ceremonial regalia, and spiritual motifs with a strong sense of realism and reverence.

In addition to his artistic practice, Warren has served as an art educator on the Navajo Nation, passing on cultural knowledge and creative techniques to younger generations. His versatility extends into sand-cast jewelry making, a demanding traditional craft that further underscores his dedication to preserving Navajo artistic heritage.

Warren’s artwork has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution, affirming his recognition within the broader American art world. His distinctive technique of painting with pastel and airbrush on leather or deer hide creates powerful, textured images that are both visually striking and culturally significant.

Today, Harry Warren’s works are collected for their authenticity, technical skill, and cultural depth. His painted hides are particularly admired for the way they unite the physical presence of traditional materials with contemporary artistic expression, offering a bridge between history, identity, and modern Native American art.