LaVerne Nelson Black

LaVerne Nelson Black was an early 20th-century painter known for his vivid depictions of Native American life and the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest. Originally from Wisconsin, Black studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to New Mexico and Arizona, where he became associated with the Taos and Santa Fe art communities. His richly colored, expressive style captured the spirit and traditions of Indigenous cultures with authenticity and respect. A contemporary of the Taos Society of Artists, Black contributed to the growth of Southwestern art and remains celebrated for his dynamic portrayals of Native subjects and desert vistas.