David Nordahl

A painter in realist and luminist styles of 19th-century western frontier scenes, David Nordahl is especially interested in the culture of the Apache Indians and their confrontations with the United States military. He grew up as a farm boy in Minnesota, and by age 13 was earning money as an artist for his portraits of local townsfolk and for religious drawings. He also did silkscreen posters.

Nordahl moved to Minneapolis where, with a friend, he established a business of doing murals, wall coverings and fabrics. Nordahl became so knowledgeable about them that he has served as an authenticator of Apache clothing and other items for persons who are interested in them. About 2000, Nordahl returned to his Indian painting, focusing more on male figures and dramatic lighting effects.