Story highlights Redbird's art reflected his Kiowa culture

He came to represent Native American culture in the art world

(CNN) Robert Redbird, the iconic Native American artist, died early Saturday morning after an extended illness, his family confirmed.

He was 76.

An Oklahoman who was part of the Kiowa tribe, Redbird's drawings and paintings showed the beauty and breadth of Native American culture from the vast bleakness of the Comanche in the snow to cultural symbols such as the eagle and pottery.

Redbird's paintings depicting blanket-wrapped Southern Plains figures became part of his artistic identity and representative of modern Native American artwork.

His home state of Oklahoma declared "Robert Redbird Day" on June 7, 2003.

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