Johnny Dehart was born in Claremore, Oklahoma, in 1959. He spent his childhood between California and Oklahoma before moving to Arizona in 1984. He is of Kiowa and Arapaho heritage through his mother, who was well known for her pottery. His father was a lifelong cowboy who worked with horses, instilling in Johnny a deep appreciation for Western life and tradition.

​

As a young boy, Johnny attended Pow-Wows with his grandfather, experiences that helped shape his connection to his Native heritage. That connection remains central to his work today.

 

Many of his pieces reflect the history, culture, and spirit of his ancestors, with careful attention to detail and authenticity.

 

Although largely self-taught, Johnny has pursued opportunities to refine his skills. He attended a workshop at the Scottsdale Artists’ School with Tom Browning, where he deepened his understanding of oil painting and composition.

​

Still, his work is guided by a natural talent he has nurtured since he was five or six years old.

​

Johnny works in oils, charcoal, graphite, and pastels. He began drawing with charcoal and graphite as a child, and those early foundations continue to influence his artistic style. Currently, his focus centers on Native American subjects and wildlife, themes that reflect both his heritage and lifelong passions.

​

He draws inspiration from Charles M. Russell and has long admired the work of Howard Terpning.

​

In the same spirit as his mother, Jerri, who shared her love and heritage through her pottery, Johnny continues that legacy by expressing his heart, history, and culture through every piece he creates.

​

​