Collection: Jennifer O'Cualain

Jennifer O’Cualain, b. United States

Jennifer O’Cualain is a prolific painter of all things natural. Her popular wildlife paintings touch on the idea of illustrating the simple and honest physical characteristics of many species ranging from field mice to bison. Of her painting technique, she says, “I strive to make my paintings more like portraits than typical animal art. The feel of fur under your hand is a relatively universal goal, but I want my viewers to get a sense of the individual animal.”

Born and raised in the mid west, she always knew she wanted to be an artist. She attended Arizona State University on a full scholarship and   graduated with a BFA in 1995.  Throughout high school and college, she concentrated on portrait art, both people and pets, but she knew that one day her overall love of animals would need to become a larger part of her artistic career.

She notes, “Traveling has allowed me to get close to animals in the wild in a way I’d never expected. During a trip to Glacier National  Monument, I stood ten feet away from a mature rocky mountain bighorn sheep. He stood only briefly while I stared in awe. I could see deep into his big dark eyes. This majestic wild animal had no fear of me!  In fact, I almost felt as if he were as curious about me as I was about him.  I feel an absolutely real sense that there is much more communication between humans and animals than anyone really considers.”   She adds, While most of my inspiration comes from my love of animals, a significant motivator also stems from my fascination with symbolism."

O’Cualain has won countless awards for her work including a full scholarship to the Art Institute of Southern California at Laguna Beach, a full scholarship to attend Arizona State University and a cash scholarship offered only once by critically acclaimed western artist  James Reynolds.   O’Cualain was honored by the Oil Painter’s of America, receiving the Animals Award of Excellence for Associate and Signature members.