About the Artist

Hi there! I am happy you're here to learn a little bit about me. My name is Kelly Jo Cheatham, the artist behind the work you are seeing here. I currently live in a rural farming community in Virginia with my husband (Justin), our daughter (Dani), and our sweet chocolate lab (Harper), and several many horses and cows. I grew up with horses (thanks mom!) and spent most of my childhood in the saddle. Horses, well all animals really, have always been an integral part of who I am. I was always the kid drawing horses in class growing up. My mom was also a big artistic influence on me, master hammer and chisel engraver Lisa Tomlin. Watching her create beautiful, intricate pieces of art my entire life surely had quite the influence on me wanting to be creative. 

Though I've always loved to draw, after college my artwork took a backseat in my life for many years. I dabbled in wood burning and leather work but my drawing was very seldom. After having my daughter in 2023, this really changed for me. My lightbulb moment if you will. With my husband's unwavering support and encouragement, I decided to stay home with our baby and give this artist thing a real try. During her naps and after she'd go to sleep at night, I would stay up and draw. It didn't take long for me to regain my confidence as an artist. And here we are. My goal is to always create pieces that are authentic to who I am as a person. I tend to gravitate towards drawing subjects that I love and am passionate about - horses, dogs, nature, the western lifestyle. Thank you for being here.