Echoes of the Old West D on o elze
Oelze’s artwork offers a unique window into moments from Native American life and the Old West. Each piece tells its own story, reconstructed with breathtaking detail from Oelze’s private photo shoots, where he collaborates closely with Indigenous models to authentically reenact historical scenes. Rooted in passionate research and genuine connections with his subjects, Oelze’s work resonates with history enthusiasts and art lovers alike. “As an artist, my mission is to preserve the history and traditions of Native American life and the Old West,” Oelze says. “Through my paintings, I seek to share stories that honor our collective past.”
Visitors to the show can expect a breathtaking collection of Oelze’s works, showcasing his storytelling brilliance and dedication to authenticity. Each painting is not just a visual masterpiece but also a deeply researched narrative aimed at preserving and celebrating the history of the American West. With themes centered on Native American life and Old West stories, Oelze’s art invites viewers to step back in time and experience history through his detailed brushwork and thoughtful compositions.
opening reception: Friday, June 27 5 pm - 7 pm online auction closes: Saturday, June 28 at 3:00 pm, mst 225 Canyon Road • Santa Fe, NM 87501 • 505-986-9833 7178 Main Street • Scottsdale, AZ 85251
“Apache Waterhole” was inspired by the incredible adaptability and survival knowledge of the Apache people, who lived in and moved through some of the harshest, most arid terrain in North America. In order to survive in that vast desert landscape, they had to possess an intimate understanding of the land—especially where and when to find water. They knew which springs flowed year-round and which ones appeared only seasonally. That knowledge was often the difference between life and death. In this painting, a group of Apache men has reached a natural spring—one that runs cool and clear even in the dry months. You can see the relief in their posture, but also the alertness. These are not men at ease. They’ve had run-ins with the U.S. Army, as shown by the canteens they’re filling—standard issue, clearly taken from prior encounters. That detail adds a layer of mystery. Are they raiders returning from a foray? Are they scouts, moving ahead of a larger group? That ambiguity is intentional. I wanted the viewer to step into that moment and ask the same questions—because for the Apache, survival often meant living in the gray space between hunter and hunted. That’s a great, honest question, Don—and a smart one to be asking now while things are going well. Here are a few layered strategies to help you sustain and evolve your painting career for the long term, especially when you’re sensing possible market saturation.
Apache Waterhole 40" x 40" Oil to be sold by draw
In this painting I attempt to capture a moment thick with tension and uncertainty. A miner’s wagon strains up a steep, narrow mountain trail—slow, vulnerable, and alone. Suddenly, a group of Apache warriors rides up alongside. They make no aggressive move, but their rifles are plainly visible, carried with quiet confidence and clear intent. They say nothing. They do nothing—yet everything about their presence speaks. Are they warning the miners? Watching them? Testing their nerve? The moment is frozen just before anything irreversible occurs, inviting the viewer into the same uneasy space as the miners themselves. The question remains deliberately unanswered: What do these Apache warriors intend? This piece aims to hold that question in the air, suspended between stillness and storm.
to be sold by online auction
Undesired Escort
36" x 48" Oil
Three Apache warriors on horseback pause atop a windswept desert knoll, framed by a towering sandstone formation. The lead rider has pulled his horse to a halt on the high ground, twisting at the waist to look back over his shoulder, scanning the distant horizon for any sign of their pursuers—whether U.S. cavalry or the Mexican army. The scene is heavy with tension; all three warriors bear the marks of exhaustion and urgency, their expressions etched with stress and uncertainty. During the long and brutal Apache Wars, groups such as the Chiricahua and Mescalero fought fiercely to evade capture, navigating harsh, unforgiving terrain while being pursued on both sides of the border. This painting captures a fleeting, critical moment—where the past ride is behind them, but the danger may still be closing in.
This painting reflects the captivation I feel about the Rocky Mountains and the deep wilderness areas of my Montana home. Everywhere I turn, I see natural beauty. Finding inspiration here is not a difficult task. I look around and see Indians on horses on a journey to somewhere, to do something, as they travel through this enchanted world. Yes, I do take liberties with my scene, but I cannot help putting in that romance, which has cast its spell on me, on canvas!
Though I live in Montana, where winter snow is a constant companion, I rarely paint snow scenes. Still, once each year, I create a piece that reflects the harsh beauty and quiet challenges of the season. In this particular painting, a group of hunters is shown returning to their camp, their figures weary, their hands empty. The absence of game speaks volumes. They’ve come back without meat—a difficult reality in a time and place where each hunt could mean the difference between hunger and sustenance. Winter hunting is never easy: deep snow, elusive game, and bitter cold test both skill and spirit. This scene captures not just the hardship of the hunt, but the unspoken strength in facing the camp—and the coming night—without success.
Hunters Return 30" x 44" Oil to be sold by draw
The Robe Hunters 42" x 50" Oil
For much of the Fall, the Elkhorn Mountains and other local ranges were the only areas with snowfall, while the valley surrounding Helena remained adorned with vibrant yellow and orange wild grasses, creating a striking contrast with the snowdusted mountains. This visual dichotomy, featuring purples, oranges, and hints of green, inspired my first painting of 2025 Set against the crisp light of fall, this painting captures a group of Indian hunters in pursuit of buffalo—a vital source of food, clothing, and shelter. As winter approaches, the hunt takes on added urgency. The hides gathered during this season are especially valued for their warmth and durability, essential for surviving the harsh months ahead. More than a scene of action, this moment reflects the deep connection between the people, the land, and the cycles of nature that shaped their lives.
A Moment of Stillness 38" x 38" Oil to be sold by draw
Two Indian riders pause on horseback along a narrow alpine ledge, drawn to a moment of stillness by the vast beauty before them. Snow-capped peaks and sweeping valleys unfold into the distance—wild, majestic, and untouched. Though they may be on a journey with purpose, this place along the trail compels them to stop, to take in the grandeur of the land. For a brief moment, the weight of time and task lifts, and what remains is a quiet reverence for the world around them. This painting captures that timeless relationship between the rider and the land—one of respect, awareness, and awe.
In my extensive reading about the Apache Wars era, I came across repeated references to a fascinating and telling tactic used by Apache warriors. Determined to live beyond the control of the U.S. government—whether to conduct raids or simply to return to their traditional ways—some Apaches would escape the reservations and head into the vast, unforgiving landscapes of the Southwest. To create more distance between themselves and the pursuing cavalry, they would often cut the telegraph wires—then cleverly reconnect the severed ends with a leather thong. This small act of sabotage wasn’t just practical; it was strategic. The wires looked intact at a glance, but the signal was broken, which delayed the army’s communications and gave the Apaches precious time. That image—the cut wire, deceptively mended—struck me as deeply symbolic. It spoke of resistance, ingenuity, and a fierce desire for autonomy. That’s what inspired Cutting the Talking Wire. It’s about more than a historical act; it’s about a people asserting their will to live free, even in the face of overwhelming force.
Among the sunbaked remnants of a crumbling Spanish adobe mission, three Apache men move with quiet intent. Time has worn down the walls, but not all is lost. They’ve discovered an old wooden keg, weathered and broken, and are carefully removing its iron rings. For these skilled hands, the rusted metal is more than scrap—it’s raw material to be transformed into tools, arrowheads, spear points, and other necessities. This painting tells a story of resilience and ingenuity—how even in the shadow of another culture’s ruin, something of value can be taken, reshaped, and repurposed for survival. From the decay of the past, new purpose is forged.
Out of Ruin, Resource 34" x 30" Oil to be sold by draw
Two Indian riders and their pack horse move steadily through a snow-covered landscape, following the winding path of a narrow creek lined with willow thickets. In these wild, open places, such waterways served as natural guides—providing not only a reliable source of water, but a navigational thread through rugged terrain. Just as highways chart our routes today, creeks like this one led people through the land, connecting hunting grounds, camps, and distant destinations. In this quiet winter scene, the riders press on, trusting the ancient path carved by water and time.
On Willow Creek 32" x 38" Oil to be sold by online auction
In Search of Hostiles
During the height of the Sioux Wars in the late 19th century, the U.S. Army often relied on Native American scouts for their unmatched knowledge of the terrain and tribal movements. This painting depicts a moment of tense focus as a Crow Indian scout gestures toward a distant ridge, suggesting the possible path of a group of hostile Sioux or Cheyenne warriors. An army officer studies a regional map, weighing the scout’s insight as they prepare to pursue. Historically, the Crow allied with the U.S. military, seeing an opportunity to protect their own lands and counter traditional enemies like the Sioux and Cheyenne. This alliance—rooted in both strategy and survival—played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of several key campaigns during the Indian Wars.
In the high country, where they believe the spirits dwell, these warriors stand at the edge of their vast realm, looking out over the land. This is a sacred place, where the earth meets the sky, and where they can feel the presence of those who came before them. In times of need and uncertainty, they come to places like this to seek guidance, knowing the spirits may offer wisdom and direction. Whether preparing for a journey, a conflict, or an important decision, this place provides clarity and connection and a new perspective.
Between the Earth and Sky
to be sold by draw
40" x 40" Oil
At First Light 20" x 24" Oil to be sold by draw
A lone Indian rider sits quietly on horseback atop a rocky outcropping, gazing out over a vast and silent land. The first light of day breaks across the horizon, painting the sky in a blend of warm and cool tones—soft golds, dusky blues, and fading shadows. In this still moment, the rider becomes part of the landscape itself, both observer and participant in the unfolding day. Whether he’s watching for movement, planning the path ahead, or simply taking in the beauty before him, the scene speaks to solitude, reflection, and the timeless bond between the land and those who move through it.
Two Apache warriors stand and kneel in a rugged outcrop, partially concealed among the boulders that define their homeland. The terrain is steep, uneven, and unforgiving—ideal ground for those who know it well. The Apache were mountain people, and they mastered the use of such high ground for both defense and survival. From these rocky vantage points, they could watch, wait, and strike with precision, disappearing again into the land they knew intimately. This painting captures the quiet tension of warriors in their element—alert, calculating, and fully attuned to the landscape that gave them both cover and strength during generations of resistance.
Rock Watchers
18" x 16" Oil
to be sold by draw
In the flickering shadows of his lodge, an elder stands as a living testament to a lifetime of profound change. Draped in his painted exploits robe, with a feathered bonnet atop his head and a peace medal hanging at his neck, he holds a peace pipe—a symbol of both the resilience and the complexity of his people’s history. The fire below casts a warm, ethereal glow across his ancient, weathered face, which has witnessed both the tumult of war and the quiet of peace. His expression speaks of endurance, of survival through countless trials, and of the undying spirit of his people. Though time has passed, the fire still burns—a reflection of both personal and cultural strength, still glowing in the darkness.
The Fire Still Burns
26" x 22" Oil
to be sold by draw
In this painting of my friend Wendell I hope to capture his warm-hearted and kind nature, reflecting both his gentle spirit and the heritage of his Assiniboine ancestry.
I feel that his face tells a story of resilience and wisdom, while the play of light and shadow enhances the quiet strength in his posture. The Assiniboine people, a Siouanspeaking tribe of the northern Great Plains, were skilled buffalo hunters and traders, known for their nomadic lifestyle and strong warrior traditions.
20" x 18" Oil
to be sold by draw
Assiniboine
