Howard Terpning

Howard Terpning considers himself a storyteller. He would not likely call himself a historian, though his brilliant and emotionally charged paintings of Native Americans recreate vibrant moments from history. Each painting tells a story that presents a vision of a way of life lost forever and a free roaming prairie people whose tragedy has left an indelible stamp on the national conscience.

Indisputably one of the foremost artists working today, Howard Terpning has won all of the highest prizes in western art, countless awards from the Cowboy Artists of America and the Hubbard Art Award from the Gene Autry Museum.

Born in Illinois and educated at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and the American Academy of Art, Howard Terpning first gained attention for his powerful magazine cover illustrations and for his eighty three movie poster illustrations. In 1976, he walked away from a successful illustration career to pursue his dream of chronicling the Native American people. Within two short years he became one of the giants in his field.