Artwork by JCaffee Cruz

My Story
I am an artist, illustrator and educator. I was raised in Southwest Kansas, realizing my love for art and my talent at a very early age. My art improved as I matured. At the age of 14 I was diagnosed with Scleroderma and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had no idea the devastating and debilitating consequences of these diseases. I was determined to continue to create art even as my hands drew closed. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from West Texas State University in 1985.  

After dozens of surgeries, joint replacements, and procedures, I have continued my passion to draw and paint. People are my favorite subjects; both in pencil and watercolor as they allow me to recreate the tiny details, which are my specialty.  

I moved to El Paso in 2004 and quickly became involved in the art scene. Membership in Rio Bravo Watercolorists, El Paso Art Association, and New Mexico Watercolor Society allows me to keep up with the changing world of art and enter local and area shows. My achievements are listed to the right on this page. I have done commissioned art work for many years and have clients all over the United States and as far as Germany, Oman and Bahrain.

I have taught art part-time at the El Paso Community College for 11 years. Teaching has been an incredible blessing to me as I share my knowledge and talents with my students, many of whom have become dear friends. I am now living back in Kansas, and enjoying being near family. Here I have the opportunity to teach private classes, give lessons, and conduct workshops. I pray I will be able to use the talent God has given me to continue creating, and teaching, art which touches the hearts of those who see it.  


Awards: 
2018 - RBW's Wonderful World of Watermedia show - Judges Award for On the Vine

2017 – EPAA’s Arts International – Flo Estes Navar Memorial Award for Backyard Brilliance

2017 – RBW’s Wonderful World of Watermedia Show – 2nd place for Beauty in Balance

2016 - EPAA’s Arts International – Lelaroy Williams Memorial Award for Beauty in Balance

2016- RBW’s Wonderful World of Watercolor Show- Best of Show for second time around

2015 -RBW's Wonderful World of Watercolor Show- First place Watercolor for The Parisian Artist

2015- EPAA's Arts International Show Lelaroy Williams Memorial Award for In the Kansas Sun

2014 - EPAA's Arts International Show- Best of Show for The Veteran


2014 - Tommy Alford Memorial Award - Rio Bravo Watercolorists Arts of March

2013 - EPAA's Colors of Spring Show - Best of Show for Spring Morning

2011 - Arts International Show- Juror's Recognition Award for Rest for the Weary

2011 - Rio Bravo Watercolorist's Arts of March- 1st Place Italian Garden

2010 - Sun Bowl Show Blue Ribbon Award - Summer Fun 

2009 - Arts International Show - Best of Show Chilis Left Behind 

2006 - Colors of Spring Show- Best of Show for Olive

JCaffee-Cruz Artworks are copyrighted and may not be copied, reproduced, altered, or used in any way, without the express written and legally authorized permission. Purchase of an original image or copy of same, does not constitute the right to reproduce, alter, or distribute. The copyright remains the property of the artist, before and after any sale.