Visual Exploration 2: Oscar Howe research

 Oscar Howe - Native American artist

Oscar Howe was an incredible contemporary artist born in South Dakota in 1915 and died in 1983. Howe's work depicted native American traditions using primarily the mediums Gouache and Casein. His work is full of life and I find the way he uses shape and colour to be particularly inspiring.

Calling on Wakan Tanka, 1962.

Umine Dance, 1958.

Buffalo Dance, 1955.

Onktomi and Ducks, No. 2, 1976.

Sun Dance, 1965

Dakota Medicine Man, 1968

A small study of his work

To get a feel of his techniques, I created this very rough study of his work and the general look of it. I love how he uses colour, using blocks of different hues to suggest lighting and separate body parts. The use of shape and colour in the backgrounds of his pieces is also gorgeous, as well as his blue linework.

Going forward with this project, I would love to take inspiration from Howe for my animation and illustrations.