Saturday

James Ayer's paintings of Native American history are not just the results of a simple act with the stroke of a brush. A lot of time and attention to details are paid by him. His paintings are actually the result of years of research combined with his personal exploration and observation.

During this time he studies historic artifacts and researches customs and rituals. Then he combines all of these with his understanding of the struggles of modern Native American cultures.

All of this started shortly after he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. It was then that he began to travel, live, and work with indigenous peoples worldwide. He still continues to do that to this present day.

In his own words he describes these experiences; "In the course of my exploration and research, I have had the honor of experiencing dozens of tribal customs and cultures, including the semi-nomadic Samburu and Turkana people in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Native American reservations from Maine to Arizona, where I lived with the Iroquois in the Northeast, the Sioux in the Great Plains, and the Hopi in the Southwest. I have also witnessed the Arapaho Sundance Ceremony during a visit to the Wind River Reservation in Ethete, Wyoming and spent time with the Traditional Navajo weavers and sheepherders at the historic Toadlena Trading Post region of the Navajo reservation in New Mexico."

"Most of my paintings are fictionalized accounts of Native American lifeways rather than literal representations of specific events. Yet, I make sure that every facet of my work is historically correct — from the style of a man’s plaited hair to the weapons used and even the motifs which decorate tipis, clothing, and shields.

Out of respect and honor for the people and cultures I paint, I strive to achieve the utmost honesty and authenticity I can attain. I have a belief that this authenticity provides a more poignant impression for the viewer." Enjoy some of his wonderful paintings below.

Bring It On - Mandan by James Ayers

With Her Thoughts – Lakota by James Ayers

Undaunted Brave – Cheyenne by James Ayers

Boundless Warriors by James Ayers; Ute

"Mountain Spirit" by James Ayers

Prayer to the Great Spirit

Contemplative Gaze – Lakota

Daytime Gaze

Two Souls, One Spirit

Her Husband’s Shirt

High and Mighty

Message of Love

Kiowa Cradleboard

Beaver Felt Hat

Official website of James Ayers


Responses to "20 James Ayers outstanding paintings of Native American history"

  1. Anonymous says:

    can i share some of your pictures?
    craig holdsworth

  2. Anonymous says:

    Breathtaking

  3. Anonymous says:

    Awesome work ....Ho-Chunk warrior.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Spectacular!

  5. Anonymous says:

    These are divine, such beauty

  6. Lizzi Large says:

    Two Souls, One Spirit..........beautiful

  7. Anonymous says:

    it is possible to feel the spirit of the people in his paintings

  8. Anonymous says:

    Wow! These are amazing! What a wonderful, talented artist. Each painting literally tells a story.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Absolutely wonderful

  10. Anonymous says:

    These paintings are alive. Beautiful!

  11. Anonymous says:

    Finest work I've seen anywhere.

  12. Unknown says:

    Beautiful work!!!

  13. Anonymous says:

    Move over Howard Terpning! I would love a coffee-table book of the Native artwork PLEASE

  14. Unknown says:

    Nr 1!!

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