Oil Pastel of Ranchos de Taos Church by Jennifer Cavan

Jennifer Cavan is a Santa Fe-based artist working in oil pastels, creating depictions of the New Mexican landscape. Working from photographs, sketches, and etched memories, she creates bold, colorful art that evokes both a connection to the land and a sense of timelessness.

Cavan says of her process: “I make oil pastel drawings on burgundy, red, and indigo-colored Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper, usually starting with a loose, light sketch with chalkboard chalk to make sure I am happy with the composition (oil pastels are a little unforgiving.) Generally working top to bottom, I blend some areas with a clay shaping tool and also scratch out areas with Exacto knives to get sharper, cleaner lines. Once the work is completed, I use several layers of a UV protective matte spray fixative to set the oil pastel so the piece is no longer sticky to the touch. The pieces are framed under glass on acid-free white mats.”

The strong color palettes and earthy compositions of Cavan’s work will imaginatively transport you straight to the natural heart and soul of New Mexico.