Nat Youngblood

 Beloved Pittsburgh artist Nat Youngblood, born in 1916, enjoyed a childhood of creativity, outdoor activities, and scouting in the state of Indiana, even achieving an Eagle Scout ranking. After graduating from the University of Indiana, he studied fine art at the University of New Mexico, the Harwood Foundation in Taos, and the American Academy of Art in Chicago. 1942 changed everything for him when the U.S. drafted him for World War II, serving in the European Theater with the 101st Airborne Division. Despite the conditions, creativity occupied his thoughts on the battlefield—he shared his experiences through letters home accompanied by vibrant watercolor illustrations.

This amassed portfolio later excited the editor of The Pittsburgh Press, who employed Youngblood as an illustrator following his years of military service and his reception of a Purple Heart. Youngblood created work for their Roto magazines and Family editions from 1946-80, generating over 400 paintings for their publications. Youngblood even joined president-elect John F. Kennedy in 1961 on a private flight to Florida, sketching Kennedy in action for an assignment. Have you ever visited the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, PA? You may be familiar with his work! In 1968, the museum commissioned him to produce several paintings as educational aids for display in their collection. Indeed, a majority of the artist’s work reflects a love of history—he painted numerous historical scenes, focusing largely on Native Americans and pioneers. Youngblood nourished his love of the arts until his death in 2009.