Back to Robert Blanchet Gallery

Robert Blanchet currently lives near Helena, Montana. He grew up in Iowa and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Iowa in 1977. Blanchet was drawn to the West and undertook a series of trips to practice his art, sketching and painting with watercolors. He also became increasingly interested in the history of the American West and native cultures.

Blanchet’s work continues the artistic tradition of Plains Indians parfleche and hide painting. He has made an extensive study of tribal and regional parfleche designs and forms as well as Plains Indians painting common to tipis, buffalo robes and ledger art. Over the past two decades, he has perfected hide-working techniques including the making and painting of rawhide and the old methods of brain-tanning. His experience has given him insight and respect for the physical demands and artistic creativity of traditional Indian art.

Blanchet accepts commissions for special projects including painted tipis and tipi furnishings, such as willow backrests. Robert welcomes custom interior design and architectural design projects. His contemporary painted rawhide room screens creatively extend the traditional painting of hides with references to abstract and realistic imagery. They are entirely unique in today’s rustic/Western design field.

Blanchet’s work is based on esthetic sensitivity, the highest quality, attention to detail, and respect for the Plains Indian cultures that his work represents. He believes that the beauty and expressive power of parfleche painting transcends historic and cultural boundaries.