Virtual Art Tour

Ray Swanson, American, 1937-2004

Wanna Share the Frybread

Apache Counrty

Navajo Little One

Martha's Helper - Arvena

Her First Baby Girl

Movin' North to Miles City

Buckskin Baby

Mishongnovi - Katchina Carver

Tuba City Gent

Land of the Eagle

Little Apache

Playing With the Kids

A Day at the Fair

Recognized as one of today's leading painters of Southwest Indian tribes, particularly the Navajo and Hopi of Arizona, Ray Swanson is known for his sensitive understanding of his subjects and their lands. His paintings help to preserve a vanishing society, a mission very close to Swanson's heart after years of observation and interaction on Indian reservations.

“Painting is what I enjoy,” stated Swanson. “. . . Just imagine being able to go through life doing what you love to do and make a living from it. I love to paint and I love to be involved with the people I paint. I have always been fascinated with people of many cultures and their journeys through life.”

Born in Alester, SD, Swanson's first artistic endeavors began when he was a boy growing up on the family farm. He later moved to California where he attended Northrup Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. That degree led to work as a civil engineer, but his heart remained with art and he painted in his spare time, eventually becoming a full-time artist and opening his own gallery in Oak Glen, CA. Buying trips to the Southwest first introduced him to the Native American populations there and his affinity for their culture and surroundings led to a move to Carefree, AR.

Swanson has become a respected interpreter of Southwestern scenes and life. His works have been recreated in limited edition prints and his abilities have been recognized with numerous awards, including Arizona Artist of the Year in 1979 and the 1995 Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) Award, which he won by being voted best exhibit by his fellow artists. In addition, he has served as president of the CAA.