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I began drawing at the age of 4, which was also about the same time I sat on my first horse, and a love affair for both began. Being raised in the country, I was surrounded by farmers and folks that lived off of the land and it only fueled my passion for nature and horses. Eventually trips to Texas and out West introduced me to the world of ranchers. I am fascinated with the honest hard work and connection with Mother Earth that seems to be inherent in the western way of life. Working long hard days of fixing fence lines to driving cattle, often in the severest of conditions, these men and women are of strong heart and character. Through my art, I hope to share their stories. In the course of my exploration and study of the western life, I have gathered references and research not only here in Missouri, but in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming. With honor for the culture I portray, I work to depict each story in accuracy and in great detail. My mission is to pay tribute to the western way of life through my drawings and paintings. |
Vicki and her TWH mare, Dixie |
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Vicki Downey Cheek lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband Randy, their two horses Dixie and Buster, and their cat Taz. Her paintings and drawings hang in private collections across the United States, in Taiwan, Australia, and England. She regularly donates to various charity events that benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and animal rescue organizations.
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