14" x 11" on paper - matted to 20" x 16"
A unique interpretation of this ever-popular figure. Research and books continue to be written on Kokopelli and many theories abound about who this mysterious character of the southwest really is. Jesse relies on the most popular stories for his painting.Kokopelli is a folk hero of the Southwest and appears in many American Indian stories, tracing back as far as the Anazasi. He is usually shown as a humpback flute player. Most legends have him going from group to group providing seed corn to help the natives feed their villages with corn that would grow from these seeds. There are also many stories of his “attracting” the young maidens of the villages with his flute playing. Some legends call him the Casanova of the Southwest!
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
Here is man beginning his day with a daily ritual of offering his smoke while he sings his morning prayers. Birds are thought to be messengers by the Cherokee, taking thoughts and prayers to and from the Creator. This man is surrounded by hummingbirds as he sings his prayers in the early morning dawn.
16" x 16" on paper - matted to 20" x 20"
This piece is a tribute to a Dixieland Band called the “Geritol Hipsters” from Prescott, AZ (their name is shown on the washboard). This group of musical veterans shares their talents by providing upbeat music and enthusiastic performances to audiences—especially in Veteran Hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation and retirement centers. They have won two gold medals in music at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival competitions. The members can recognize themselves by the instruments being held in this intricate presentation. Jesse wanted to honor their charitable work by portraying them in his style as an Intertribal group.
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
This piece is based on the Cherokee naming ceremony. Here is the Beloved Woman on the right side overseeing the ceremony, wearing the traditional turkey feather cape and skirt. The Peace Chief is in the center, wearing his turkey feather clothing is conducting theceremony, holding the child to be named. The sponsor of the child is on the left—could be the father or uncle—or important person in the child’s life—is holding the bowl of burning sage. The birds in the background are carrying the child’s name to the Great Maker so he will be recognized and the sage smoke circling the child shows the acceptance of the child and the name.The original painting won the first place (blue ribbon) in easel art at the Tesoro Foundation Indian Art Market in Morrison, CO, in 2006.
16" x 16" on paper - matted to 20" x 20"
Jesse often paints portraits of couples at various stages of their lives and romance. This couple is show with the darkness of the night sky around them and the glimmering stars. They are walking in the evening—the time of romance —that can be enjoyed by a couple of any age.
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
A great fun piece with a family next to their gold Cadillac taking a photo during a stop along the famous highway, Route 66. This is one of the first done a series of ‘Route 66’ pieces.
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
These men are singing their prayers of thanksgiving for theharmony of the earth and sky which provides so much for their clan. Here the bird clan members (representing the sky) sing and use the turtle shakers (representing the earth) for these prayers. The original acrylic on canvas was 24” x 30”Won “Best of Division—Painting” at the Heard Museum Market. March, 2000.These men are singing their prayers of thanksgiving for theharmony of the earth and sky which provides so much for their clan. Here the bird clan members (representing the sky) sing and use the turtle shakers (representing the earth) for these prayers. The original acrylic on canvas was 24” x 30”Won “Best of Division—Painting” at the Heard Museum Market. March, 2000.
16" x 16" on paper - matted to 20" x 20"
A romantic winter piece that was done for a special holiday show at a gallery in Santa Fe, 2010. Here is a couple taking a break from walk to enjoy the snow fall—or maybe after building the snowman in the background—to cuddle or snuggle up together.
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
Many forget that Native Americans have served in the armed services of the United States since the beginning of the nation. Today there are Native American veterans from World War II through the Gulf War. This piece shows three older veterans posing in Native costumes, holding American flags to show their pride in serving their country. This piece is a tribute to them, showing they are not forgotten.
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 20" x 16"
This piece was commissioned by Indian Motorcycle as a tribute to the manufacturing of the bike again. The rider, Spotted Dog, is typical of figures included in many of his paintings. He is riding his new Indian Motorcycle. While his image is contemporary, he paints in the flat style of the Oklahoma Native artists with no blending of colors, shadows, or shading. Each area is painted flat with inlining of a different shade and a darker outline. The original was a 16” x 20” acrylic painting on canvas
11" x 14" on paper - matted to 16" x 20"
The inspiration for this piece came from Jesse’s working on his first Trail of Painted Ponies image, titled “Love Strong as a Horse—and Beautiful as a Hummingbird.” He took the couples that appear on each side of the horse and put them in a portrait together. They vary in ages as shown by the color of their hair—dark is for the younger couple; gray for the older. But no matter what age, their love is strong and beautiful.