Why I began painting Native Americans (and when it all started)

My journey into painting Native Americans didn’t begin with a plan or a clear vision. I didn’t decide that this would be my style. It all happened naturally in 2019, when I painted my first Native American portrait as a gift for my dad.

At the time, I had hardly any experience. I didn’t know the principles of painting, how to mix colours properly or which brushes to use. But I went ahead anyway. I painted purely by instinct, without overthinking or putting pressure on myself to achieve a particular result. That freedom was what gave the painting its strength.

I still remember the moment my dad saw it. The joy and how genuine it felt. That was when the whole story began.

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The year 2020: A Native American warrior

A year later, I returned to this subject. This time, it was no longer just an experiment. I painted a Native American warrior, because that was exactly how I saw my dad. Strong, quiet and always there.

This painting meant much more to me than just a portrait. It helped me express something that is difficult to put into words.

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Then came silence

For a long time, I stopped painting Native Americans. It was less a decision than a natural step back. Some things need time. They cannot be planned or forced. They have to develop in their own time.

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2024: An angelic Native American

The turning point came in 2024.

I created a painting of an ‘angelic Native American’ named Angeliánka, which carried a completely different energy. I painted it to support a wonderful girl. This time, I put more gentleness, light and hope into the painting.

The painting was later sold at auction and continued on its own journey.

It travelled all the way to Egypt.

Even now, I find it incredible how far something born of pure feeling and a wish to help can travel.

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2025: A return I had not expected

After several years, Native American figures reappeared in my work. This time, the pull was much stronger.

It did not come from my head, but from within. Without planning, without a strategy.

Suddenly, I knew I wanted to paint them again.

Gradually, I realised that it was not just about the subject. It was about the feeling I put into the paintings. Native American figures became a natural part of my work.

Perhaps they are not for everyone. And that is all right. Those who feel a connection with them understand.

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What comes next?

In 2025, I painted my most recent Native American woman.

Now I am asking myself:
Will there be another in 2026?

Honestly, I do not know.

But one thing I know for certain: there is no point in forcing these things. If they are meant to come, they will come of their own accord.

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Perhaps it was never about Native Americans

Perhaps it was never just about Native Americans themselves.

All along, it was about memories.
About emotions.
About a strength you cannot see.

And that is precisely why I paint with Love.