Raymond Nordwall was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is Pawnee, Cherokee, and Ojibwe. Nordwall studied art with artists Johnny Tiger, Jr., Dick West, and Frank Howell. He attended Oklahoma State University, Bacone College, and the Institute of American Indian Arts. When he was young, Nordwall emulated the Oklahoma “traditional” style of painting. After moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, he studied the European masters’ work which greatly impacted a new approach to his painting style, His style has also been influenced by impressionism, cubism, Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese masters, and pop art. Nordwall has reflected on his work as follows: “Through my artwork, I want to inspire people to learn more about the Native American cultures and their appreciation of life and nature. When I’m in a beautiful place, I can’t help but think about the Creator, and I’m grateful for what He has given to us.”