Bernice (Portrait of Bernadette), an R.C. Gorman oil pastel, is a striking frontal portrait of a Navajo woman whose long black hair frames her face in dark wings against a deep cobalt-blue ground. Gorman models her features in rich terracotta, copper, and warm sienna, with subtle mauve shadowing around the eyes and mouth that gives the sitter a grave, self-possessed dignity. The intense contrast between the blue backdrop and the warm glow of her skin makes this one of the artist’s boldest color-field portraits. Signed by Gorman, the piece brings gallery-scale impact to any wall and is an outstanding acquisition for collectors of Gorman portraits, Native American figurative art, and bold Southwest color palettes.
Oil Pastel, Original
Bernice (Portrait of Bernadette)
R.C. Gorman one-of-a-kind oil pastel — a frontal Navajo portrait in terracotta and copper against deep cobalt. Bold signed original color-field work.
Original artwork
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About this medium
Oil Pastel: A direct original medium with dense pigment, soft blending, and visible hand-applied texture.
Read the Oil Pastel guideChoose your print
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