Jeffrey Cannon

What makes certain places special ? Why do we feel good in Nature ? How does Light define a sense of place ? These are some of the questions I consider as I explore the ways in which the power of Nature continues to enchant, excite, inspire, calm, heal, inform and transform us all. And so I find landscape painting to be an evocative and potent forum for examining the mysteries of Nature. I observe, dream, travel and draw to anchor the feelings of being in that place, so that the feelings guide my process and remain at the center of my work. Pastels are made with pure pigment, pure color, which accounts for their richness and brilliance. These fine pigments, without the liquid binders found in oil paints, will not fade, crack or yellow over time. Since the 16th century museums have collected pastel works that remain as vibrant today as the day they were created. I use a very large palette of soft pastels, often handmade, on specialty pastel supports. I work from the background forward and blend with my fingers, using no fixatives, brushes or tools, to ensure the preservation of details and color harmonies. Each unique frame is handcrafted using hardwoods and wood-splined corners. All framing is done by me or under my direction. These considerations are made so that each original pastel painting continues to be a source of beauty for generations to come.