My recent trip Arizona rendered some wonderful ideas for paintings. I often visit Canyon de Chelly and have painted there for decades. I never seem to tire of the subject matter.
After reading the Book “Blood and Thunder” by Hampton Sides, I took a new look at what has happened over the years in this spectacularly beautiful place.
The canyon was first occupied by the Ancient Pueblo culture (Anasazi) around the birth of Christ. After they left sometime in the 12th century it was occupied by the Navajos who came from the north. The Navajo, or more correctly, the “Dine” still live there to this day.
This painting entitled “Mummy cave” was one of the pieces that came out of this series featuring Dine sheep herders.
