1970s "Spider – Blood Indian" – Original Blackfoot Warrior Oil Portrait by Steve LeBailly

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Steve LeBailly Signed Original Oil – "Spider: Blood Indian" Blackfoot Warrior Portrait

Immerse your collection in the rugged soul of … Read more Steve LeBailly Signed Original Oil – "Spider: Blood Indian" Blackfoot Warrior Portrait

Immerse your collection in the rugged soul of the American West. This compelling original oil on canvas, titled "Spider – Blood Indian," is a masterwork by the late Seattle artist and historian Stephen B. LeBailly (1947–2024). The portrait captures a dignified member of the Káínai (Blood) Nation, a prominent tribe within the Blackfoot Confederacy, rendered with a striking balance of historical accuracy and expressionistic energy.

LeBailly utilizes a heavy impasto technique, applying thick, rhythmic layers of oil paint to create a sculptural surface. This tactile approach brings a three-dimensional life to the subject’s traditional regalia—from the intricate quillwork and bead motifs to the vibrant yellow face paint. Set against a luminous turquoise backdrop that symbolizes the wide-open Western sky, this painting serves as an immediate intellectual and aesthetic anchor for a curated study, a grand hallway gallery, or a sophisticated lodge-style interior.

About the Artist: Stephen B. LeBailly (1947–2024)
Steve LeBailly was a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest art community for over five decades. A professional painter and dedicated historian, he committed his life to exploring "the richness of art and history." He was particularly revered for his ability to document the human spirit through a lens of profound respect for heritage and identity. His Indigenous portraits are held in numerous private collections across the West Coast and are celebrated for their "Modern Primitive" soul and technical honesty.

Artistry & Composition Highlights
The Medium: Heavy impasto oil on canvas. The thick paint application creates natural highlights and shadows that shift as you move around the piece.

Symbolism: The subject is depicted in traditional "Blood Indian" (Káínai) regalia, reflecting LeBailly's deep archival research into 19th-century tribal costume and facial markings.

Authentication: Hand-signed by the artist on the front in red and fully documented with hand-written inscriptions on the reverse: "SPIDER – BLOOD INDIAN" and "ARTIST: STEVE LE BAILLY."

Dimensions
Height: 14 in
Width: 11 in
Depth: 1 in (Professional gallery-wrapped canvas)
Framing: Neatly finished edges; ready for immediate display as-is or for a custom frame.

Condition
Excellent Vintage Condition – A meticulously preserved work. The impasto layers are stable and secure with no evidence of flaking, cracking, or "shrinkage." The canvas remains taut on its original wooden stretcher bars. The pigments are vibrant and have not suffered from UV-fading. The reverse is clean and bears the original artist's hand-written pedigree.

Designer Styling Note: "The High-Texture Gallery"
Designers often use LeBailly’s Indigenous portraits to introduce a "color-driver" into neutral rooms. The turquoise and ochre palette pairs exquisitely with natural materials like leather, reclaimed wood, and stone. Position this work under a dedicated picture light to maximize the shadow-play of the heavy brushwork.

A singular intersection of Western Americana and Contemporary Expressionism. This Steve LeBailly original is more than a painting; it is a soulful tribute to the enduring spirit of the Blackfoot people. It offers an investment-grade opportunity to own a verified piece of the late artist's historical legacy. See less