SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Yellowman

Name
Yellowman (Bennie Nelson)
Tribe
Navajo Nation
Main Classification
2-D
Classification #2
Classification #3
Website

SWAIA Booth Numbers

Summer 2024
LIN W 718
Winter 2024
Yellowman
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement

As a  self-taught artist, I have been blessed with a passion for creating something from nothing. I have traveled this long road of self-discovery of people and time. I access memories of my travels across the country as I recreate mountains, plains, and rivers. I was privileged to see large encampments of indigenous tribes and I experienced seeing camp life up close. I love researching tribes, their clothing, their tools, and their lives. I paint on heavy-duty canvas and use acrylic paints and paint brushes that I have cherished for years. I begin with an idea, triggered by a smell or sound, or a beautiful sunset.  I will do some quick sketches in pencil on a drawing tablet. Once I have my ideas down on paper then I select a canvas and decide on my background colors. There is nothing better than a blank white canvas coming alive with vivid colors of paint. I then draw the images by freehand and set out to paint. I also taught myself to use an airbrush to add shadows to my figures.

2024 Portfolio

View the artist's portfolio for this year.
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