GREG OVERTON THE WARRIOR’S WISDOM
TRAILSIDE GALLERIES PRESENTS
GREG OVERTON THE WARRIOR’S WISDOM
AUGUST 1 – 31, 2025
“For this show, I was inspired to create a group of paintings that would describe the warrior’s journey through a life of conflict and war to a deeper understanding of life and death. From the young warrior eager to prove himself in battle to the grizzled veteran who offers the sacred pipe. This group of paintings is a human story that we all go through individually and collectively that eventually leads us to a deeper understanding of life and to the wisdom that leads us to peace.”
GREG OVERTON
“The unequalled warrior of the Northern Cheyenne. He was said to be the equivalent of thirty warriors in battle. His unique one horned headdress made him invulnerable to bullets when he obeyed a protocol which included not eating food prepared with metal utensils. Unbeknownst to him before the battle of Beecher Island he was served some food prepared with a metal spoon. This broke his invincible medicine, but he chose to ride into battle knowing he would die. He was shot through the spine and died that day sacrificing his life in protection of his people.”
ROMAN NOSE oil on canvas, 56 x 52 inches, $47,500
SITTING BULL oil on canvas, 56 x 44 inches, $42,000
“The legendary Lakota leader needs no introduction. His vision which foretold the victory of the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho over the infamous Custer and his 7th cavalry is the stuff of legend. This painting is my tribute to his enduring legacy.
“This painting represents the desecration and destruction of a pure and powerful animal and way of life. My art is a way to pay tribute to the Native people and animals of this continent. No matter how many people and animals were killed and imprisoned, the truth remains that this culture knows the truth. I hope we have ears to listen and eyes to see the wisdom and power of this way of life. I’ve been painting this my entire life and I’m thankful for the chance to share it with the world.”
WHITE BUFFALO oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches, $55,000
“This painting depicts an elder who lived a life as a warrior and attained great wisdom through vast experience. Indigenous cultures valued the wisdom of elders and respected them deeply. This concept stands in stark contrast to our youth obsessed culture which values shallow versions of humanity. The spirit eagles in the horse’s mane represent the victories and defeats and all the lessons learned in a long life. He moves fearlessly into the future while remembering the lessons of the past. A full circle lived through a culture that expresses the true depth of the human experience.”
HOLY EAGLE RUNS INTO THE WIND oil on canvas 64 x 78 inches, $60,000
“A high-ranking warrior of the Lakota he wears the war bonnet which denotes his many battles and victories. His war paint represents a strong connection to the spirit world from which he draws his power. Striking swiftly and silently as would befit a warrior bearing his ominous and foreboding name.”
GHOST HORSE oil on canvas, 70 x 54 inches, $50,000
“This painting is a prayer for peace and unity for all people. I created this with the intention that it will bring peace to every home it goes to. Some people say art can’t change the world, but I disagree. Political strife, war and greed has failed us all. We can create and share art and collectively raise the consciousness of all humanity.”
THE PEACEMAKER oil on canvas, 78 x 62 inches, $60,000
“I did my first painting of Dull Knife in fourth grade and won a school competition with it. I decided that day I would be a professional artist.
Countless people including teachers and friends told me it was impossible. Luckily, I was stubborn as a mule and crazy as a rabid pit bull because I never gave up. I did my first album cover at sixteen (The Stench ep) and never looked back. This second painting of Dull Knife represents my victory over everything that stood in my way. Dull Knife never gave up on himself or his people and walked miles in bitter cold starving and freezing to save his people. This is what life and art is all about. Beating the odds and laughing in the face of fear and death.”
DULL KNIFE oil on canvas, 60 x 60 inches, $50,000
“The Pawnee are known as the wolf people and this young warrior in his prime is a strong example of this great warrior culture. Arrayed in his traditional regalia and war paint he stands ready to face any challenge as a fearless defender of his people.”
WOLFSHADOW oil on canvas, 54 x 56 inches, $50,000
KING oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches, $30,000
“Blood King, a warrior of the Blood tribe, part of the Blackfeet confederation. Painted with fearsome war paint and prepared for battle, Blood King is the epitome of the Plains Indian warrior. The bear claw necklace and fearsome countenance leave no question he is an implacable opponent who gives no quarter and asks none in return.”
BLOOD
GREG OVERTON
Greg Overton’s paintings have been praised for their ability to tell a story, evoke primal feelings and remind us of the importance of connection and balance. The core of his work is his portraits of Native Americans that are powerful, and which seem to convey the souls of the subjects.
Overton’s fascination with the American west began at a young age. He still holds onto western pieces he drew and painted starting at about age eight. As he continued his artistic path, he began concentrating on paintings of historical images of Native Americans, eventually leading to representation in prestigious galleries.
Although Overton has painted a variety of western subjects, his portraits of Native Americans stand out as some of his most powerful and moving works. Through his use of color, composition and texture, he brings these figures to life in a way that feels both timeless and deeply human.
What sets his portraits apart from other depictions of Native Americans is their sense of connection and soulfulness. Each subject seems to invite the viewer to share in their world and experiences, creating a sense of depth that is difficult to put into words. Some of Overton’s subjects are historical figures, while others are warriors from his imagination, but each is brought to life with a level of detail and realism that is truly breathtaking. From the texture of their clothing to the expressions on their faces, each element is carefully considered and executed to create a portrait that feels alive.
Through his work, Greg Overton reminds us of the beauty and complexity of Native American culture, and encourages us to explore the depths of the human experience. His paintings are more than just images on a canvas; they are powerful reflections of the soul, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the American west.