Artist’s Story
Shelly Hackett
Born in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, Shelly started drawing ponies as early as she could pick up a pencil. By age five, she was riding the ponies across the road. Both the desert and the Pony’s had a great influence on the young artist.
From those informative years on, Shelly has lived the life of an artist atop a horse.
Shelly spent many years in California while riding English, hunter/jumper, at San Pascual Equestrian Stables; her work became focused on the working horse.
She found an audience for her paintings, and the Stable office became her Gallery.
In a couple of years, Shelly commissioned over thirty paintings.
In 2015 Shelly moved back to Arizona, where she started painting Landscapes and riding trails. Here she explores the dynamic contrast in the desert light.
She works from the memory of being in the moment, on the horse, and catching a glimpse on camera. In her studio, she uses the photo and the feeling that is fresh.
Publications, Awards, & Exhibitions
Publications:Western Art Collector June 2023 Issue-Collectors Focus “Woman Artists Taking Center Stage”
Horses In Art 2006 featured artist “Developing Her Own Style” By Leah Rakali
Awards:Fountain Hills Annual Juried Art Show Awards
January 7th, 2019 / Judge’s Statement by Lili Anne Lauren
Honorable Mention: ( Jake ) oil on canvas, by Shelly Hackett
“This painting tells a story with nice loose brushwork of a young cowboy who appears to be surveying His cattle.
I like that the work is not overly rendered which gives the work a casual appearance reflective of the cowboy’s equally casual stance. The sunglasses give it a contemporary vibe.”
Fountain Hills Annual Juried Art Show Awards
January 2021 / Judges statement by Julie Gilbert Pollard
First Place : ( Diego ) oil on canvas, by Shelly Hackett
“ I can actually hear the movement of these horses down the path. The unusual viewpoint of this scene
Strikes me as interesting, exciting and challenging!
I enjoy the accuracy of the subject painted with loose, expressive brushwork.”
Exhibitions:Recent:
2021 Fountain Hills Annual Juried Show / AZ
2019 Fountain Hills Annual Juried Show/ AZ
Group Shows:2014 Jones Coffee Roasters / Pasadena CA
2010 Heritage Gallery and Wine Garden / Pasadena CA
1995 Mars Gallery, in Celebration of Chicago’s International Art Expo / Chicago Illinois
1994 North Wind Gallery / Sedona AZ
1990 Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibition / Los Angeles CA
Solo Shows:
1990 Rob Roy Gallery / Los Angeles CA
1987 Eleven East Ashland / Phoenix AZ
Juried Shows:1993 100th Exhibition, Eleven East Ashland / Phoenix AZ
Juror: Heather Linberry, Curator of ASU Art Musem
1987 Phoenix Artist Colition / Phoenix AZ
Juror: Bruce Kurts, Curator of the Phoenix Art Museum
1986 La Phoneniquera, Mars Gallery / Phoenix AZ
Juror: Donald Lock