Avery Ches is a chalk pastel painter and photographer focusing on big sky landscapes and nude forms. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, Ches spent considerable time outdoors. She is inspired by the rolling hills of horse country and the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Ches moved to New Orleans, Louisiana for her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where she fell in love with the magic and culture of the city. Ches now calls New Orleans home even after extensive periods of travel including living abroad. Ches spent nearly four years in the Mediterranean region of Europe where she found endless inspiration in the rugged, wide-open fields and the unique quality of natural elements in Southern France and Italy. The artist is drawn to chalk pastel as her preferred medium due to its ethereal qualities and ability to render a soft, dreamlike component to her work. Her pieces reflect her love of nature and bring a sense of peace to the onlooker.