Carolyn Bunch Watercolor & Ink — Native American Figure, 13"x11" Framed

Watercolor and ink drawing by Carolyn Bunch (American, 20th century), signed lower right. The work portrays a Native American man in Southwestern attire, wearing a red shirt, turquoise necklace, headscarf, and white trousers, leaning against a stone wall. With expressive watercolor washes and precise ink linework, Bunch captures both character and cultural atmosphere, reflecting her long-standing interest in the people and traditions of the American Southwest.

The artwork is presented under glass in a layered wood frame with peach matting and colorful border accents. Compact yet striking, this piece highlights Bunch’s ability to blend figural study with regional identity, making it an attractive acquisition for collectors of Native American and Southwestern art.

Condition

Very good condition overall. Watercolor remains vibrant and paper is clean. Frame and mat show only light handling wear, presenting well for display.

Dimensions

• Overall (framed): 13 x 11 inches
• Visible image: 6 x 4 inches

Artist Biography

Carolyn Bunch (d. 2016) was a New Mexico-based artist celebrated for her sensitive depictions of Southwestern subjects. She studied at Parsons College, the Art Institute of Chicago, New Mexico State University, and Instituto Allende in Mexico. After moving to Las Cruces in 1953, she combined her career as a teacher with a lifelong dedication to the arts, eventually opening the Adobe Patio Gallery in Mesilla.

Her work, spanning watercolor, pastel, and oil, is recognized for its expressive treatment of figures, cultural themes, and Borderlands life. She frequently portrayed women and regional figures in folkloric attire, blending narrative with artistry. Bunch exhibited widely across New Mexico, and her works are held in both private collections and institutions such as the International Museum of Art.