Chris Cravens

Howdy!

I am a Texas artist whose work celebrates God’s beautiful creation and the cultural spirit of the Lone Star State. Along with my strong Christian faith, it’s just who I am, and what I do.

Born and raised in Dallas, I draw inspiration from my roots in and around Bonham, Texas (and the rest of the state) where my grandmother lived and my mother was raised. After studying art at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, I have worked in the graphic arts industry in various places including the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, which contributed to a keen understanding of wildlife and the natural world that continues to inspire my art today. I love color and motion in my art, and I try to include a little humor and uplifting encouragement in my artistic endeavors, also. Everything from rural Texas landscapes, to whimsical lighthearted wild characters to portrayals of interesting people I know, these are the subjects I love to study and paint. I feel that the simple, deliberate act of creating art is good for a persons head and heart, and I consider it a real blessing and an intentional kind of worship for our Creator!

After moving to Fannin County in 1999, I became actively involved in the local art scene in Bonham around 2005. I enjoy featuring iconic local subjects including bluebonnets, native color and wildlife, horses and occasional portraits of Texas legends, and other personal favorites. I consider myself a perpetual student of the visual world around me. So I take lots of photos and consider all types of subjects in my paintings. I try to adopt a humble perspective, capturing moments and scenes that evoke a feeling of authentic Texas storytelling. I practice a loose, impressionistic artistic technique which emphasizes my emotional connection to my subjects, drawing and painting “things that I have seen, that I feel strongly about.”

My style varies from simple realistic studies to abstract realism in a search for images that are relatable to artistic folk & seekers of the truth. My favorite piece of my art is always the next one I’ll be painting.

I am also a musician and songwriter who enjoys playing and singing occasionally at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham. This is where I show art and teach art classes, and I am a past president of the board of the Fannin Community Foundation, which oversees the CAC. I encourage all local artists of whatever level of skill to get involved here!

Thank you for reading this, and for your interest in my art and your interest in the Creative Arts Center. God bless you, Viva Texas and keep on pursuing creativity. I’m fixin’ to do the same.

Chris