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About the Artist

Marlene McChesney, a member of Cowboy Photographers and Artists International, was raised on a third generation family farm in West Central Illinois near the town of Gladstone, population 350. Marlene acquired an appreciation for good livestock almost by osmosis, as her eye for quality was passed from her Grandfather, to her Father and now resides within Marlene.

As a teenager Marlene worked beside her father whenever horses were required to work cattle. Marlene raised her daughter on the family farm as well and, in time, established her own herd of foundation quarter horse mares.

Today, Marlene is Herdsman for the family's custom calving operation. Her proximity to the tension-filled relationship between cows, calves and horses sparked her interest in capturing it on film. Marlene's work style is one of perpetual motion, which is why most of Marlene's photographs were taken on the back of her horse.

Marlene is quickly gaining interest from professionals and individuals alike. The Summer 2007 issue of "Horses in Art" magazine featured an article about her photography. The Burlington Art Guild in Burlington, Iowa invited her to have a one-women-show at the Guild for the month of June, 2008. Over 500 invitations were sent out for a gathering showcasing her work, with wine and cheese and a special speaking engagement by Marlene during the event.