“May every creation that comes from His heart though my hands
touch deep into the soul of the one for which it was created.”
Karen Chatham
Karen Kennedy Chatham
Capturing the Spirit of the West
Karen Kennedy Chatham is a Texas-based artist whose work captures the essence of the American West. As a multi-faceted artist, Karen channels her passion for the wilderness, equine beauty, and contemporary expression into breathtaking works of art that resonate with viewers on a deeply emotional level.
Born in West Texas and raised in the small town of Keller, Texas, Karen's artistic journey began when her 6th grade art teacher saw her potential and worked with her to develop a deep passion for art. Drawing inspiration from her own horses and country life surroundings, she polished her craft through experimentation with various mediums, ultimately finding her voice in the timeless traditions of oil and acrylic painting.
One of Karen's distinctive strengths lies in her ability to traverse between genres, transitioning from realism of Equine and Western Art to the dynamic energy of abstract expressionism. Her mastery of technique is evident in the details that characterize her realistic paintings of horses, capturing their movement with a reverence that borders on the spiritual.
Yet, it is in her abstract works that Karen's boundless creativity truly shines. With bold brushstrokes and a kaleidoscope of hues, she infuses the canvas with vibrant colors that invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Her abstract compositions are filled with a sense of spiritual freedom, and serve as a visual symphony of emotion, intended to transfer virtues of courage, peace, hope, love and strength.
The Artistic Process
Central to Karen's artistic process is her deep connection to the wild mustangs of North America. Venturing into the untamed wilderness, she immerses herself in the raw beauty of these magnificent creatures, capturing their essence through the lens of her camera before translating their spirit onto the canvas. Through her photography and paintings, Karen celebrates the untamed majesty of these beautiful creations of God and the freedom they represent, yet she loves the wonderful organization called “Forever Branded” who works hard to assure safe and loving adoptions of gathered mustangs.
Karen’s work exhibits her commitment to artistic excellence. Her passion to inspire and captivate the hearts of those who are drawn to her art is meant to illuminate the soul and ignite the imagination. As she continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, Karen remains steadfast in her dedication to God, her family and sharing the gift of art with the world.