Prayer to the Morning Sun
$795.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A quiet, ceremonial moment anchors the larger image here—an Apache warrior mounted beside a stately saguaro, pausing with a small child and a woman at his side. The scene feels measured and graceful: warm, sandy earth tones and a soft, evening sky give the composition a gentle hush, while the figures’ clothing and the horse’s tack provide restrained, authentic color accents that draw the eye. You can sense the tenderness and the gravity of departure without any melodrama; the poses are dignified rather than theatrical, and the open desert around them suggests both isolation and resilience. The companion slipcased book cover shown beside the canvas reinforces the artist’s attentive portraiture of Native life—close study of expression and detail that respects personality and tradition. Overall, this work offers a contemplative, narrative stillness that feels well suited to a quiet corner where one might appreciate its story and atmosphere.
The Artwork
About DESERT DREAMS THE WESTERN ART OF DON CR COLL. BOOK and
DESERT DREAMS THE WESTERN ART OF DON CR<br> COLL. BOOK & CANVAS
This volume is the long-awaited collection of the award-winning work of Don Crowley, one of today’s prominent Western artists. Crowley is a member of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America, and he is one of the “Tucson 7,” an informal group of artists who began their careers in commercial art and have successfully made the transition to Western fine art. Since moving to Arizona in 1974, Crowley has dedicated his career to painting Native American life and people, particularly members of the San Carlos Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona.
Slipcased and signed book accompanied by the print Apache Farewell.
Apache Farewell
In the 1800s, the Apaches were fighting the white settlers, the Mexicans, the U.S. Army and attempts to put them on reservations. This Apache warrior, armed with his weapons, says farewell to his wife and child as he departs for battle.
Slipcased and signed book accompanied by the print Apache Farewell.
Apache Farewell
In the 1800s, the Apaches were fighting the white settlers, the Mexicans, the U.S. Army and attempts to put them on reservations. This Apache warrior, armed with his weapons, says farewell to his wife and child as he departs for battle.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Don Crowley (1926–2019) was a renowned Western artist celebrated for his realistic oil paintings that vividly portray Native American life, particularly focusing on Apache and Paiute subjects. His meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for his subjects are evident in his work, capturing the dignity and culture of American Indians. Crowley was an esteemed member of the Cowboy Artists of America and received numerous accolades for his contributions to Western art. His pieces are highly sought after by collectors and have been featured in various exhibitions and collections
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Don Crowley.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Born in Redlands, California, Don Crowley got started in the world of art at
such an early age that he couldn t remember a time when he wasn t drawing.
During his school years in Santa Ana, he read everything he could about art
and spent every spare moment developing his skill. Service in the Merchant
Marines and the Navy enabled Crowley to enroll in the Art Center School of
Design in Los Angeles under the G.I. Bill. Five years later, he moved to New
York and began a successful career in commercial illustration.
After more than twenty years in the Northeast, Crowley felt restricted by the
narrow range of his commercial work and began to work more extensively in fine
art. In 1973, he accepted an invitation to exhibit his paintings at a gallery
in Arizona. He was so taken by the area that he decided to continue his career
there.
With his family, Crowley settled in the Southwest, where he began forging a
relationship with a group of Native Americans. Although he is recognized and
respected for many different kinds of paintings, he is best known for his
sensitive and skilled portraits of these Apache and Paiute women and children.
Crowley visits the San Carlos Reservation annually to continue chronicling the
lives of his subjects. "I hope that my work expresses the beauty and dignity
of these very special people," he says. Through Crowley s work, his collectors
have watched his subjects grow over the years. Occasionally you ll see a rare
Don Crowley image of a cowboy or a cattle drive, but what he is best known for
are handsome, clear portraits of Native American women and children, not to
mention their colorful Pendleton blankets. In fact, long-time collectors of
his work may see the same subject as both a girl and woman, wearing the
colorful, geometric-patterned blanket that was handed down from generation to
generation.
In 1995, he was elected to the Cowboy Artists of America and, in his first
year, won the CA Gold Medal for Drawing. The following year he was awarded
four awards: a Gold Medal for Oil, Silver Medal for Drawing, the CA Award and
the Kieckhefer Best in Show Award. With customary dry humor, Crowley termed
this accomplishment very encouraging.
"
Sand Creek Memories
$895.00
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