Shelly Hackett is a full-time artist based in Fountain Hills, Arizona, known for her expressive, atmospheric style and vivid gestural brushwork. Her work captures the essence of her subjects—often horses and western themes—with a unique blend of accuracy and emotional depth. As one juror noted, “I can actually hear the movement of these horses going down the path,” a testament to the life and energy in her paintings.
Born in the Sonoran Desert, Shelly’s lifelong connection to the Southwest and its equine culture began early—drawing horses as soon as she could hold a pencil and riding Shetland ponies not long after. Though her subject matter varies, the horse remains a central muse in her work.
Shelly studied art at Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College, but credits much of her artistic foundation to her time working as a graphic artist under art director Dick Axtell. Her professional journey also includes an impressive design career, working internationally in frame moulding design and production in Italy, Indonesia, and the UK.
In 1996, Shelly transitioned into scenic painting for film and commercial sets in Los Angeles, including work on a Super Bowl Pepsi commercial and multiple music videos—further refining her skills in large-scale, figurative painting.
Her award-winning artwork has been featured in Western Art Collector magazine and exhibited in galleries across the U.S., including in Chicago, Los Angeles, Sedona, and Scottsdale. As a teacher, Shelly brings her diverse experience and deep knowledge to the classroom, leading workshops such as Anatomy of the Horse, Finding Your Style, and Introduction to Oil.
With a passion for sharing her expertise, Shelly’s classes focus not just on technique, but on helping students infuse their work with life, mood, and authenticity.
