Mann, David, 1948-

David Mann was inspired by Western images from the time he was a child. He would read books illustrated by Alfred Jacob Miller, one of the pioneering painters of Western art. As a young church missionary, Mann was assigned to the Southwest and lived for two years with the Apache on the San Carlos reservation, the Pimas and Papagos near Tucson, and the Pueblos and Navajos near Albuquerque. This mission to the Southwest Indian Nations left an unforgettable impression on Mann, and became the basis of his art.

Nonetheless, the mission was only the beginning for the young painter. Mann studied art at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and graduated with a major in art education. Mann married his wife Terry and she helped in the support their family, which gave David a chance to pursue his dream. During this time, Mann looked to artists such as Frank Tenney Johnson and Frederic Remington for inspiration. After four years, he became a success in the eye of western art collectors, and since then has been in continuous demand.

A painter of the everyday life of Native American figures, Mann does extensive research on the clothing and background objects of his works, but does not show actual historical events. He has received the Purchase Award, Best of Show and was selected as Poster Artist for the Western Art Association. His art has been featured in the Western Visions Miniature Show and Sale at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Masters of the American West Exhibition and Sale at the Autry National Center most recently in 2007, and the Prix de West Invitational.

This painting by David Mann titled, "Arrow Maker" will be in the upcoming Jackson Hole Art Auction on September 19, 2009 at the Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming.