Red Cloud with a Shadow

Sometimes, the paintbrush leads you

somewhere you didn’t plan to go.

That’s exactly what happened with this piece…

a 12 x 16″ mixed-media portrait of Chief Red Cloud.

I’ve painted him several time before…

but this time, the colors felt different…

Softer….A little more whimsical.

I found myself reaching for hues I don’t usually associate with in the Natives’ Collection…

pinks, light blues, and iridescent pearls.

And then there was the lavender haze.

It happened almost instinctively…

a brushstroke across the lower half of his face

that suddenly resembled a 5 o’clock shadow.

Stepping back, squinting at the painting…

“Well, that’s new,” I thought, tilting my head.

Did Native Americans have facial hair?

I’d always pictured their faces smooth and serene,

like the photographs and sculptures that echo their legacy.

But now, here was Red Cloud,

sporting a hint of stubble…

and my curiosity was officially piqued.

It turns out, facial hair among Native Americans was rare,

and when it appeared, they often plucked or scraped it away.

The smoothness was a part of their cultural identity,

a deliberate choice.

But here, with this lavender-tinted shadow,

Red Cloud felt different.

Playful, maybe.

Or perhaps just a reminder that art

doesn’t always follow the rules.

When painting the Natives,

I’m so inspired by their creativity …

the way their art isn’t confined to canvas or walls

but woven into their lives.

Even their clothes were walking masterpieces…

adorned with beadwork and textures that told stories.

Their tools and pottery were works of ingenuity…

blending function with beauty.

Every creation seemed to honor the world around them…

a world they treated with reverence,

as a sacred gift from God.

I like to think that Chief Red Cloud walked deeply 

with that kind of connection…

the way a simple brushstroke can spark questions…

with curiosity…

and a deeper understanding of the beauty around us.

As his eyes closed in the painting…

his expression seemed to whisper wisdom:

find strength in stillness…

honor the journey…

and embrace life’s unexpected moments…

even the lavender ones.

So here he is,

Red Cloud with a Shadow.

A playful twist on a revered figure,

wrapped in whimsy and wonder.

Does it make you giggle, or does it make you think?

Perhaps a little of both.

A Prayer inspired by Red Cloud with a Shadow

Lord, may this piece remind us to embrace both our strength and our humanity,

to find joy in the imperfections

and humor in the unexpected.

As Chief Red Cloud once led with wisdom and grace,

may we walk our paths with courage,

guided by Your light.

Let us find peace in stillness,
hope in Your promises,
and a deep sense of purpose in every moment.

May all who encounter this artwork
feel inspired to pause, reflect, and remember
that we are deeply seen and lovingly held
by Your mighty hand.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Available 2/6/25

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exodus 14:14