James T. Connell, a native of Georgia, studied fine art at Los Angeles Valley College and at California State University Northridge (CSUN).  For several years he was protégé to Marcus “Cotti” Lorango, the well-known California portraitist and Native American artist.

Connell works primarily in oils, pastels, colored pencils and graphite.  Of Native American heritage himself, he developed a strong desire to help alleviate the plight of Native Americans - a spiritual kinship visible in his powerful portraits.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of his lithographs will be donated to the native American Rights Fund.

The expressive, enigmatic faces of Native Americans, gazing evenly from the haunting landscapes of their ancestors, have become a powerful theme for artist James Connell.  In them can be seen the wisdom of ages, the troubled history of a proud nations, the stern awesome power of a people at one with the earth.

These original portraits, executed from little known turn-of-the-century sepia prints, seek to capture the spirit Connell sensed in their expressions - the fierce pride, quiet dignity, resolution and playfulness - that he finds both fascinating and inspiring in the Native American.

Fine art reproductions of these captivating Native American portraits have been produced on high-quality, acid-free paper in limited editions, each hand-numbered and signed by the artist.  They will also be available on art canvas.