Happy New Year!

It seems these years fly by anymore. 2011 came and went. I am very thankful for all the blessing received, and pray for a better 2012 for all of us.

The Christmas art show at Littlecrow's trading post was a hugh success. . Met a lot of people, made some new friends and rekindled some old friendships. Even sold some art!

I'm looking forward to 2012, and want to expand on where my art will lead me. Thinking about heading North toward South Dakota this year.

Have some plans on more new stuff I am preparing to start on. I completed all commissioned work and feel like I can once again work at my own pace. I will keep you posted to everything as it develops.

Blessings, Sid

Native American Art show/Market coming

Finally finished construction on our home studio. Angelika is working daily out there with her orders. She also has the opportunity to create new stuff with all of her materials in front of her. There is still room for all of my stuff as well.

I have been busy with more commissioned work, and trying to get everything complete by the weekend. Hopefully I will finish up so I can get on with my new stuff.

I had a call from Janet Littlecrow at Littlecrow trading post. Her and her husband Sonny opened up a local store here in Ponca City, and are making plans on an Art market here sometime around the first part of December. Maybe the second week. My friend David Kaskaske will be joining me for this one day event. Once the date is set I will post it. Exciting times are coming, so if your in the area, make plans to attend the one day show/market.

Indian summer is beginning

Last winter we were beginning to think will summer ever get here, after a record setting winter. Coldest on record for Oklahoma. Then once summer rolled around it was a summer from hell. With the month of July being the hottest on record for any State in the US. Not a record we wanted to see. I think there were more days at or above 105 in a row than I ever recall. No wonder the city of Ponca city broke a water main. The whole city was without water. It is either feast or famine.

To see a cool down with rain is a welcome. Compared to many folks we have had our days, so this is nice for what were had gotten used to. You actually feel like doing something outside for a change.

This weekend is the Ponca City art centers outdoor show, which features local artists from around the State, as well as surrounding States. Next week will begin the annual Standing bear powwow that runs Sept. 23rd and 24th. We always look forward to going to look on and eat one of our friends Indian Tacos.

The end is drawing near with moving things into our studio. Finished the last set of shelves for my wife's crafts, and materials. Won't be long now before I will be making my own frames for my creations. Blessings, Sid

Latest happenings

My wife and I went back to Tahlequah again for the Cherokee Holiday art show, that was held at the armory again, and for the 3rd time in a row, I walked across the stage for my painting "The abstract fancy dancer". They always bring in new judges for this event, and thus far they have liked my entries. This time neither one of my paintings sold. My other entry was the "Ponca trail of tears". We had a great time there. Got to meet a few more people. American Meredith, Tom Farris and Troy Jackson. Tom owns a Native American art gallery in Norman, Okla. America owns one in Santa Fe, NM. America was one of the judges for the show. Troy is a great artist as well. I hope to get to meet more as time allows. Another good thing about attending these art shows and viewing all the wonderful artwork, you get energized to want to create. It has you thinking about something outside the box. We will see how things develop. Our home studio is now complete except for one more set of shelves for my wife's yarn and material. It actually looks like a studio. Were happy with it up to this point. Still not sure about a date yet for our gallery opening, but it will happen!

Good time in Tahlequah

The "Abstract Warrior" painting got honorable mention this time at the Cherokee National Holiday Art show. There was around 30 or so entries in the digital, graphics category, so I was happy with my showing, since I didn't know who the judges were.

Got to meet some nice people, some customers that appreciate my art. Saw some pretty amazing art as well. The reception afterwards was good.

Downtown Tahlequah was jumping, softball tournament, powwow, and 3 other art galleries going on all at the same time. Wife and I took some pictures at one of the parks there, went to a coffee shop and had coffee and cake while we waited for the show to begin.

Then today (Saturday), I was lucky enough to win a print by Sharon Irla "Necessity of a Mother" print #1. Her work is pretty amazing.

There is so much to do there, that we are planning on going back when we can do more stuff there.

Update.. it's been awhile..

Things have been busy here at the home office as usual. Seems my retirement is something only I can control. I guess if I want to do nothing, then I can, but my emotions and love of art won't allow it. I guess that is a good thing. I have been busy painting again, and want to finish at least 3 more by the weekend. If things go according to plan it will happen, but we all know how things can go sometimes.

I called one of my Otoe/Ponca brothers, and learned he was in the hospital, battling kidney problems. Hopefully he won't be in there much longer. We all need him home with us. We more than likely will be planning a early morning sweat lodge on his behalf. Prayers in that holiest of circles is very strong.

I am still working on the display at the Standing Bear museum. I am now wanting to add some ribbon work, and shawls, to display my peoples craftsmanship. We are known for our bead, ribbon, and feather work. It seems that things just don't happen as fast as we would like, but eventually it will all happen.

Thinking back over the last couple of weeks, I want to thank my friend Firgs for giving me a shot out on her blog.
I was very honored by this. I checked my website dashboard after her shout out hit an all time high on people viewing my website.

I also want to thank my Arapho friend Neyom Friday for her blog radio talk show interview she did of me and my background. I was very honored by these good people, for recognizing Native American art, and wanting to tell the world about it.

I got a message from a lady that runs a Native American art gallery in Norman, Okla.
Tribes 131. She will be contacting me about bringing some prints down to her store.
I am excited about the prospect of finally getting out there in the State of Okla.

As I near completing each painting, I am more and more thankful that I will someday be remembered for something I loved doing. Art is my passion.

I hope to make a presentation to the Ponca tribe as well the Otoe/Missouria with paintings depicting their ancestors, and traditions.

I am nearing completion of my Aunt Jo's painting as well. Not sure how that presentation will work yet since my Aunt lived in So. Calif. among the Mission Indians at Barona Rez. My relatives want to hang this portrait of her up in the library that was named in her honor.

My oldest son called me on Fathers day, wishing me happy fathers day. This time I was able to wish him happy fathers day as well. My first grand child Paelin Grace Armstrong was born on Jan. 8th this year. My wife and I are planning on going to see her in Idaho, sometime next month.

I will be posting more as my paintings are completed and my friend Dave begins printing, and stretching canvas.

Thanks for reading

Another Gallery upcoming soon!

Ok, I went to the opening for Linda Rous, her name is pronounced like Rose. Come to find out she is renowned through out the country, and has been painting for over 40 years now. I had a chance to visit with her, and the formal invite for my gallery will be coming in the mail. She did mention it will be a one day show. On a Saturday, during the annual alumni gathering in Fairview, Okla. She said there will be a lot of people there at that time, which sounded promising. I must say I was impressed with her no face doll creations. Very lovely work. Each one is individual, no two alike. Some even had beads hanging on them. Definitely something to see if you ever get a chance. Here are a couple of sites she has. Website #1 and Website #2

Art Gallery is a success!

It's funny cause your thinking, that so and so said they will come to the show, but for some reason they don't make it. On the flip side of that coin, you see people you had no idea would come. Then people purchase prints, who you never even met before. The place was packed! More people than I expected. A lot of the people were my relatives, but mostly friends.

The reception offered a nice atmosphere with refreshments.

When it was all said and done, I was approached by the board about putting on a class for digital art. I didn't see that one coming! I will have to see how that all goes, after the gallery finishes next month!

It was a success! My wife and I both feel completely exhausted now.. Time for a break!

Check my website out.. I just added my latest renderings!

When everything was perfect, the ancestors gathered for a Native American Church meeting. One time the Buffalo would run it, next time it would be the bear, or the eagle, the clan leaders would take turns leading the service. The bear, and buffalo would go by the season. Spring and summer the buffalo is in charge. In the fall and winter, the bear would lead since it was their time to be in charge. The other clans would get permission to run things. There is an order to how things are conducted among the Otoe Missouria. At one time there were either 11 or 12 clans of the Otoe, but only 7 today.

Giving credit where credit is due!

My friend and partner Dave Nelsen who does all my printing for me, has been very busy in some new discoveries with framing. I had asked him to see what he could do with my Donnie painting, and I think he surpassed all of my expectations. He actually superseded them. A frame inside a frame, with what feels like a very soft foam. He said it is a fabric with a foam board behind it. The color of the frame itself is pewter. The color of the fabric is purple, to compliment the red and blue colors I used in this painting. I couldn't be more happy with the end result. I think it will only add to the art show!

I wanted to display the frame and mat work I finished last night as well. I really like how it finished. I hope people will like what I do. Thanks for looking, Sid

Ponca Powwow history through my eyes..

As old as Ponca Powwow is, I still enjoy going to look on, and listen to the songs. Those old songs never get too old to listen too. I remember going to the powwow as a small boy, and there was so many dancers. Lot's of straight dancers. Looked like all the men would wear black vests with bandannas around their necks. A Ponca trait. I remember looking at the dancers and could tell what tribe they were just by the way they dressed. Something you can't hardly tell today!

The fancy dancers had come some distance from when the first fancy dancers (Gus MacDonald) had started at the Ponca Powwow. I remember one man in particular when attending the powwow. When you saw him dance you could automatically tell who he was, by the tall frame, and the high head dress, (no roach)the black and blue costume of Garland Kent Sr. He was the benchmark of Ponca powwow fancy dance in his day. I know the older tribal memebers from around the surrounding area, of the Tonkawa, Osage, Otoe Missouria, Pawnee, and Kaw tribes, remember GK when he danced. He was always fun to watch during the contest on Sunday night.

I had contacted him, and visited with him about his dancing, and was able to get a few photographs of him from Lucy (his wife).

I wanted to capture that image on a mat, as the way I remember his dancing. After a couple of start, erase, and start overs. I was finally able to finish what I had intended in the first place.

I won't show this painting until the gallery at the Ponca City art center, but just wanted you to know what I have been doing here the past few days. I already sent it on to Dave, my printer for press. I will have prints available for sale, for those of you that may be interested.

Do any of you remember the Indian two step going in a giant round circle, with nothing added to it? Two steps forward one step back, turn pivot and keep going. It was that way I remember when the two step was danced. There always was a clown in the arena too, wearing a weird straight dance costume. Used to scare the heck out of us kids too.. Funny today when you think back to how things used to be in the big arena. A very scared place, the clown was a whip man. Kept order in the arena.

My late Grandmother along with 3 other Ponca women, (all grandmas) were the very first women to go out around the big drum and sing with the men. That was forbidden until they broke the rule. Lots of history in our family with the big drum.

Thanks for reading.. aho!

ArtNatAm featured artist webpage at last!!

Marten Jensen resides in the Netherlands. He is the web master of ArtNatAm he sent me an email today notifying me of my web page being up and live now! I have been waiting for this for some time now. Total elation! I just sent him several more paintings for him to add to the site for me.

I was preoccupied with the upcoming art gallery here in Ponca City next month, I had honestly forgotten about it. Now that it is up now, makes things much better all the way around. When you do a google search on Native American Art the first page up is ArtNatAm. This excites me!!!! Should get some good responses now.

3 more paintings completed and ready for the Gallery!

I have the painting of the buckskin lady dancer complete, and will send it on for printing. I finished another one the first Otoe Meeting, that depicts all 7 clans in one meeting. I already sent it on for printing. I finished another one last night in the series of painted faces. This one I did is of my youngest brothers son, my nephew Donnie. He is a traditional dancer, who has won many contests for his dancing. He is a proud father today, and has a good woman by his side. Someone to help keep him grounded.
I thought I would go ahead and post his painting I just finished.

Ladies Buckskin dancer..

In this painting I was compelled to paint a dress I attempted to design for my sister. She looks very beautiful in that dress. I still feel proud when she wears that dress and dances to our tribal songs.

Gallery date is set! April 5th, 2009

Things are finally coming together in regards to the gallery. The chairman called me yesterday, and informed me of the dates and time of everything. I will move my paintings in the gallery on Sat. April 4th. The art center will set everything up for me. Then Sunday the 5th the reception will be held from 1pm to 5pm.

Something I haven't said before today is there will be another artist there at the same time. The center is bringing in a fabric artist, who will be on display at the same time.


Everything is good thus far, if I can only finish about 4 or 5 more works of art. I will see how it transpires.

Mark you calenders, and please come join me for my first Art gallery!
Wee-blah-ho!

Added 3 more paintings to my web site

Busy Saturday, was busy with Twitter today increasing my followers. I also added 3 more prints to my web site. Go see at here.

I have a good idea of how I want to compliment the Chicken dancer now. I will be adding a woman dancer that will face him. I have another good idea for a third painting to go with them as well. You will have to wait for it though.

I will keep you posted to how things come along. Still working toward the gallery in April.

Cusp of falling off into dream land I saw this

I had heard that when your right on the cusp of falling into rem-sleep your mine is as clear as it can be. When you have a vision at this time it has potential to be something either great or maybe not so great. lol All I know is I knew what I wanted to paint when I saw this. I know when you see traditional Native American Art it will have a certain type of dancer, but in this case my dancer is by no means of that certain type, he has his own style.

Another thing that I liked when doing this is how receptive my wife was about the outcome of it. She really loves this painting. I will prepare it for the gallery, and have it listed in my website for sale as well. Hope you like it as well. Please leave a comment. Thanks, Sid

Opened up a squidoo site.

I am wanting a site that can help generate more traffic in my web site, so my wife recommended I try squidoo. I don't think it will hurt. Anything to help get the word out there. Click Here!

Today we went to the Art gallery reception for 3 artists that are featured this month.
Gene Dougherty, a watercolor artist, Ron Kuykendall, a ceramic/sculpture artist, and Marcia Zuvanich a oil canvas artist. My old instructor from my college days Gene Dougherty still has the touch. His work is wonderful to look at. I think we will get a print from him before the gallery finishes. We have a few weeks to figure out which print we want.
Interesting to meet fellow artists. Marcia is a local artist, Kuykendall is from Wichita Falls, Tx. They all said they will come back to my gallery in April.

When my friend Dave gets back home from San Diego tomorrow, I will talk to him about making up some different print sizes for my web site. Some need to offer smaller sizes, and one needs to offer a larger size.