Painter Greg Overton has a reverence and a respect for Native American culture and people that allow him to create works that are wholly authentic and imbued with emotion. He tells all stories, from the most famous figures like Geronimo and Sitting Bull, to the lesser-known tales that are just as real and poignant. “If you’re painting Native American subject matter, you have to care about the issues they’re facing and have respect for their culture,” says Overton, who last year raised $18,000 in Covid relief funds on the Navajo Nation. 
First American, oil on canvas, 24 x 36”
“A lot of my friends growing up were Navajo. I go to different reservations and I’m just really into the culture and have been my whole life. It’s taught me a lot about humanity. To me the Native American culture in its pristine state is one of the highest expressions of humanity that’s ever been on earth. You live in a very integrated community where you belong...you’re one with your environment,” he says.
Night Crow, oil on canvas, 54 x 54”
This past year has been jampacked with work for the artist, from commissions to numerous exhibitions—a good problem to have. “I’ll think back on [the past year] and think, ‘I can’t believe I did that,’” he says. One of these exhibitions is a solo show at Sorrel Sky Gallery in Durango, Colorado, beginning June 25. A major piece in the show, which Overton is still working on, is Petalasharo. The portrait tells the story of Pawnee Chief Petalasharo, who rescued a maiden from sacrifice during a Pawnee harvest ritual. His actions were considered an immense act of bravery by both members of his own tribe, as well as the outside world. “But now he’s kind of faded from history, so I want to bring some of these things back,” says Overton. He plans to create a follow-up piece titled Shoshone Girl, depicting the young girl that Chief Petalasharo rescued. “I’m always doing that, prequels and sequels,” says the artist. 
Wolf Robe, oil on canvas, 72 x 60”
Blood Hand Bear, oil on canvas, 60 x 56"
Overton explains that now that he’s gotten his footing in the last year, he has more time to devote to making his paintings truly “epic.” “Now I can really take my time with these things; I can hire the models I want to hire, work with people who will recreate actual historical regalia,” he says. “They’ll get a model from the tribe [I’m depicting], so it’s that much more authentic.” —
Upcoming Show
Up to 4 works
Opens June 25, 2021
Sorrel Sky Gallery
828 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-3555, www.sorrelsky.com
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