The Natural Mind of Jeffery Craven

We might overlook the beauty of nature when we're constantly surrounded by asphalt and buildings. However, this isn't the case for Jeffrey Craven, who resides in Rigby, Idaho, amidst the seemingly pristine landscapes of mountains, grasses, and waters.

Constantly surrounded by the stunning world divinely crafted for us, Jeffrey swiftly cultivated a profound appreciation for the tranquility and essence found in the serene nooks of nature. This peaceful setting has undoubtedly demonstrated its ability to offer him a clear vision, along with the skill and patience needed to flawlessly translate what he observes onto a canvas.

In addition to living outside the city, Jeffery has a passion for fishing, which he often indulges in, connecting him to nature's rhythms. This provides him with ample opportunity to be inspired by nature. This profound love and appreciation have been passed down through generations, particularly to his nephew, Travis Humphreys, whose art also focuses on the beauty of our God-given world. Travis and as well and his son Levi, share a deep love for fishing and ensures they get to take the time away from our hectic lives to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

Fishing fosters a sense of patience, essential for both painting and waiting to set the hook. The artwork he produces requires hours of skill and a strong desire to portray the profound depth of our reality. What truly sets him apart is his skill in manipulating watercolor and gouache. His paintings appear as if they were created with a very sharp pencil, which is remarkable given the difficulty of achieving such crispness with watercolor due to its higher viscosity.

It's not surprising that he has enjoyed a successful art career, given his daring choice to transition from being an illustrator at the Department of Energy in 1979 to becoming a full-time artist, a decision that has truly paid off. Over the past 45 years, he has received numerous honors and medals in the art world, with his first award coming in 1979, the year he began, and his latest in 2014 when he submitted an impressive 660 paintings.

We are truly privileged to feature Jefferey Craven and his extraordinary legacy in our gallery. Our visitors are continually impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of his work and are often astonished to discover that he uses watercolor, a medium known for its unpredictability and difficulty. We are thankful to have him as a member of our family and of our business at Gold River Gallery and are thrilled to witness his legacy expanding globally through his exceptional artistry.

-Olivia Ishihara, daughter of Travis Humphreys.