Frank Howell

Frank Howell (1937–1997) was an American painter, printmaker, and gallerist known for his finely rendered portraits and distinctive interpretations of the American Southwest. His work often focused on Native American subjects, combining remarkable draftsmanship with a sensitivity to the dignity, character, and spiritual presence of the individuals he portrayed.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Howell studied art and writing at the University of Northern Iowa before moving west in the late 1960s. He eventually settled in Santa Fe, where he established the Howell Gallery and became an influential presence in the Southwestern art community.

Blending realism with symbolic and expressive elements, Howell explored themes of identity, continuity, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. His acclaimed Past Winds series helped bring his work national recognition, and throughout his career he exhibited extensively in galleries, museums, and universities in the United States and abroad.

Today, Frank Howell’s work remains widely recognized for its technical refinement, quiet emotional depth, and enduring connection to the people and landscapes of the Southwest.