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Question: Maija Biography
Answer: Native American Romanticism
Maija is a Scandinavian-American master whose "no-smoke" training began as a self-taught passion in the early 1970s. Although she majored in art at the University of Arkansas, she credits her talent to a family lineage of New York commercial artists—specifically her father, an Air Force Colonel. Her style, Native American Romanticism, is characterized by a "soulful synergy" between human subjects and Mother Earth. Living in the foothills of the Rockies among the Ponderosa pines, Maija uses Pastels to "release" the stoic grace of Native American culture rather than simply capturing it. She is world-renowned for her ability to evoke character from the eyes of her subjects, whether they be young maidens or rugged mountain men. For over 30 years, she has remained one of the most consistent and beloved voices in the Western and Wildlife art markets.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Maija for decades. Our collection features Physical Inventory (identified as [In House]), Vetted Dealer Networks (identified as [Partner]), and Vetted Consignments (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because pastels are notoriously fragile, our vetting process ensures that the Original Pastels have not suffered from "pigment drop" or smearing. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: Why are her originals almost exclusively in Pastel?
Answer: Pastel is Maija's favorite medium because it allows for the subtle color gradations and soft textures required for human skin and animal fur. Unlike oil, pastel remains "pure pigment," giving her work a vibrant, light-reflective quality. At Herndon Fine Art, we identify these Original Pastels in your database to distinguish them from her high-volume lithographic prints. |
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Question: What is the significance of the "Wolf" in her work?
Answer: In Maija’s world, wolves are not predators but Guardians. They are frequently paired with Native American maidens to symbolize protection and spiritual connection. Her market remains exceptionally stable; while original pastels like White Feather can realize $2,500+, her hand-signed limited edition lithographs consistently realize between $125 and $950 in the 2025–2026 market cycle. |
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Question: How do I distinguish between a "Poster" and a "Limited Edition"?
Answer: Many of Maija's most popular images (like Second Glance or Lone Wolf) were released as both Open Edition Posters and Signed/Numbered (S/N) Limited Editions. We use our 40 years of experience to verify the pencil signature and the edition number (typically out of 950), as the S/N versions hold significantly more secondary market value. |
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Question: What is the "Trilogy" series?
Answer: Maija produced several highly popular Trilogy sets—three related images framed together (e.g., Native Wolf Trilogy or Horse Trilogy). These were designed for the home decor market but remain highly collectible as complete sets. We identify these in your database to ensure you are looking at a full original set rather than a broken collection. |
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Question: What are the common condition issues with Pastel works?
Answer: The primary concern for an original Maija is "Pigment Dusting"—where the pastel powder falls off the paper and settles on the inside of the glass. This usually happens due to improper transport or lack of a "spacer" in the framing. We physically inspect every piece—whether [In House] or [Consigned]—to ensure the pigment is stable and the colors are "Rocky Mountain crisp." |
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Question: Why is the "Maiden and Animal" theme her most collectible?
Answer: Maija is famous for her portraits of Native American maidens paired with wolves or hawks (like Free Spirit). These "Spiritual Connection" images are her most liquid assets. Collectors prefer the "S/N" (Signed and Numbered) prints over the many open-edition posters found in the market. |
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Question: How can I tell a "Signed/Numbered" Maija from a poster?
Answer: True limited editions are hand-signed in pencil and include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Many "Maija" images were sold as "Art Prints" or posters for $30–$40; these have no secondary market value. A legitimate "S/N" print from the 1990s can be worth $500–$1,000. |
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Question: What is the "Wolf Trilogy"?
Answer: The Wolf Trilogy is a set of three images often framed together. For collectors, owning the matching numbered set is the goal. These pieces represent the peak of the 1990s "Native American Romanticism" trend and remain staples in the Western/Wildlife art market. |
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Question: Why should I buy Maija from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Maija has a vast collector base, which can lead to "marketing smoke" regarding rarity. A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Giclee on Canvas and a standard Offset Lithograph. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier, Technical Medium, and COA Status, ensuring your investment in Native American Romanticism is factually sound. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
All information contained in these web pages is trademarked and copyrighted by Herndon Fine Art (c). All visual copyrights belong to the artists. All rights reserved. |
