Don Oelze - Natural Encounters

Don Oelze

NATURAL ENCOUNTERS 1

About Don Oelze Don Oelze’s parents were from the southwest of the United States but their love of God took them to different parts of the world. Don was born in New Zealand and at an early age he had a fascination with America and especially with the lifestyle of cowboys and Indians. His grand parents collected Native American artifacts from their property and surrounding country in the eastern part of the United States. When he was six years old, his grandmother sent him an Indian outfit which only fueled his desire and love for the native customs and history. He started drawing Indians at a very early age, and by the time he was in school at age six or seven, he remembers getting in trouble for drawing Indians in class instead of paying attention to his New Zealand history teacher. When he was eight years old, his parents moved back to the United States where he continued to draw and paint through high school.

He then attended Memphis College of Art for one year, where he painted many different subjects utilizing a wide range of mediums. Don finished his education at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire.

In 1992 while living in Seattle, he met a Native American named Everett who produced native art and Totems. While working with Everett, he did his first big native painting. After trying many different subjects, he knew that painting Native Americans was what he loved to do most.

For the past ten years, he has been refining his skills while working in Japan. In 2004 he and his wife, Utako, have moved back to the U.S. and are presently living in Montana studying the country and people that he loves to paint.

This catalogue only reflects the work of Don Oelze. Please see Paul Rhymer’s catalogue to view his work for this show.

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NATURAL ENCOUNTERS the Artwork of

Don Oelze & Paul Rhymer Legacy Gallery of Santa Fe July 8, 2022 Don Oelze’s paintings are a glimpse into the Old West. His impressionistic stlye allows viewers to relive history; as he demonstrates keen precision in anatomy and composition; each painting telling a story. Paul Rhymer is also a master in anatomy and composition being a third generation Smithsonian taxidermist. As a result of so much three-dimensional work in his museum job, his own personal artwork gradually began to transform from painting and drawing into sculpture. Being an avid birder and waterfowl hunter gives him constant anatomy and behavioral learning experiences that inspire his sculpture.

Legacy Gallery • 225 Canyon Road • Santa Fe, NM 87501 • 505-986-9833

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Always Warrior 26" x 24" Oil to be sold by draw

The Taunt 36" x 32" Oil to be sold by draw

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Cheyenne Spring

36" x 40" Oil to be sold by draw

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A Forest Encounter

40" x 38" Oil to be sold by draw

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Battle Ready 30" x 32" Oil to be sold by draw

Ever Alert 42" x 34" Oil to be sold by draw

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Seeking Trade and Trust

38" x 44" Oil to be sold by online auction

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The Run Down

34" x 50" Oil to be sold by online auction

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Hallowed Ground

44" x 38" Oil to be sold by online auction

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Warrior Hill

40" x 48" Oil to be sold by online auction

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Sa n ta Fe • Scotts dale Legacy Gallery • 225 Canyon Road • Santa Fe, NM 87501 • 505-986-9833 Legacy Gallery • 7178 Main Street • Scottsdale, AZ 85251 m a n i t o u g a l l e r i e s . c o m • l e g ac y g a l l e r y. c o m

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