JD Challenger was a painter of Native American subjects.  He was born in Oklahoma, then began his career in Taos, New Mexico where he painted landscapes and learned much about Native Americans by observing firsthand Indians of the Taos Pueblo.  At first, he was reluctant to show his oil and acrylic paintings of them in public for fear of offending a people he greatly admired.  Upon witnessing a Ghost Dance ceremony, Challenger discovered his mission and what he wanted to paint.

With encouragement from friends, he showed his work to some Native Americans, one who was a holy man.  Challenger was told, "Your path is to tell our story and educate others."

JD Challenger depicts the story of a people rich in heritage and tradition.  These stories are sometimes poignant, often angry, but always powerful and demanding to be told. Whether it be in the stoic, distant gaze of a young warrior in Whirlwind Horse or the regal stare of Wildcat, The Renegade Act II, the subjects of JD Challengers portraits are intended to look straight into the soul.