The Guardian

#9.1
oil on linen board
26 x 47 in.
30 x 51 in. (framed)
I was inspired to paint The Guardian as a tribute to an ancient story passed down by the Hualapai tribe, who have resided at the Grand Canyon for countless generations. It’s said they once lived at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. As the legend goes, a great eagle of immense stature came to their rescue amid a catastrophic flood, carrying them away from the depths of the canyon and guiding them to a new home on the West Rim. Once they were securely placed, the eagle transformed into stone. To this day he is still the guardian of the Hualapai.