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JD Challenger
Jd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming a wildfire as he reached his teens. After moving to the Southwest, he enjoyed success as an artist painting landscapes. Privately, Jd continued to draw and paint as he started to learn about Native Americans. He was reluctant to show his paintings in public for fear of offending a people he greatly admired. Working in oils and acrylics on canvas, as well as with watercolor, his style continued to emerge and his passion grew.
While growing up in Oklahoma, Challenger was especially close to his “step – grandfather,” a full blood Chocktaw, who first introduced the young Jd to the culture and spirit of the Native American people. It was this relationship that would profoundly influence the direction of his life. Upon witnessing a Ghost Dance ceremony being filmed for a movie, he came face to face with his mission in life. “As I stood there watching the chanting and the dancing, I knew what I wanted to paint . . . nothing had ever been clearer. ”JD Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a very young child. After moving to Taos, New Mexico, Challenger enjoyed success as an artist painting landscapes. Privately, he continued to draw and paint as he was learning about Native Americans. He was reluctant to show his paintings in public for fear of offending a people he greatly admired. "As I stood there watching the chanting and the dancing, I knew what I wanted to paint... nothing had ever been clearer." His wife, Denise, encouraged him to show his work to his Native American friends, one of whom was a holy man. When he did so, he received their blessing and was told, "There has to be a messenger and he doesn't have to be one of our People. The Creator chooses His own messengers. Your path is to tell our story and educate people about the past and about what is still happening today." Challenger takes his role seriously, but modestly declines credit for his remarkable gifts. "The thing I do best is paint. I prefer to look at it as 'not me' doing it, I'm just the instrument... The Creator, the brush, the paint, and then me. JD Challenger paints the story of a people rich in heritage and traditions; stories sometimes poignant, often angry... but always powerful and demanding to be told. Each portrait speaks its own truth. Challenger is the vessel that paints that truth.

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  • Sale
    JD Challenger original painting Painting on JD Challenger website for $15,900 before we purchased it

    Prairie Fire by JD Challenger - Original Painting

    Prairie Fire by JD Challenger30"x30" Original oil on canvas In-Stock at Ashley's Art GalleryGallery wrapped.Jd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming a wildfire as he reached...

    Was: $15,900.00
    Now: $14,995.00
  • Ashes to Dust by JD Challenger

    Ashes to Dust by JD Challenger

    Ashes to Dust by JD Challenger Gallery wrapped canvas print 14"x14" - signed by JD Challenger. Jd had always wanted to do a painting honoring those Native Americans who served during the Viet Nam War. When he had this painting mostly completed, he kept...

    $349.00
  • Sale
    Many Hands by JD Challenger

    Many Hands by JD Challenger

    Many Hands by JD Challenger 20"wide x 24"tall original oil paintinggallery wrapped

    Was: $8,900.00
    Now: $7,995.00
  • Sale
    Shawnee Horse JD Challenger Painting on JD Challenger website for $30,000  before we purchased the painting

    Shawnee Horse by JD Challenger

    Shawnee Horse by JD Challenger 40" x 40" acrylic original paintinggallery wrapped.This painting was for sale in a prestegeous Santa Fe gallery for $30,000.

    Was: $30,000.00
    Now: $22,000.00
  • We the People jD Challenger

    WE the People by JD Challenger

    We the People by JD Challenger 14"x14" Signed giclee canvasGallery wrapped - ready to hangJd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming a wildfire as he reached his teens. After...

    $349.00
  • Sun Watcher by JD Challenger

    Sun Watcher by JD Challenger

    Sun Watcher by JD Challenger 14"x14" Signed giclee canvasGallery wrapped - ready to hangJd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming a wildfire as he reached his teens. After...

    $349.00
  • Stands in the Circles original painting by JD Challenger Stands in the circles

    Stands in the Circles original painting by JD Challenger

    Stands in the Circles by JD Challenger 14"x11" original acrylic paintingOn masonite type artist board - mounted on stretcher barsJd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming...

    $1,795.00
  • Bill of Rights by JD Challenger

    Bill of Rights by JD Challenger

    Bill of Rights by JD Challenger 14"x14" Signed giclee canvasGallery wrapped - ready to hangJd Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a young child, becoming a wildfire as he reached his teens. After...

    $349.00
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