By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Cheryl Kelley
Published 7.17.2024
1957 Buick illustration by Cheryl Kelley
Cheryl Kelley’s illustrations of historic automobiles are creative and beautiful works of art that people worldwide have admired and enjoyed for many years.
Delahaye classic car illustration by Cheryl Kelley
Kelley was born in Houston, Texas in 1968. In high school, she was a part of both the performing and visual arts programs, but it was the visual medium that became her passion. Later, Kelley attended the University of Houston where she continued her artistic journey.
Rear end of 1957 Chevrolet illustration by Cheryl Kelley
After finishing college, Kelley began her career as an abstract expressionist. She began painting historical automobiles by using oil on canvas, enjoying the curved automotive design surfaces that create each vehicle’s unique look. Kelley’s works of automotive art feature both elegance and simplicity. I am a big fan of her automotive illustrations.
Ford Mustang front end illustration by Cheryl Kelley
Kelley’s great works of art have been featured on the cover of Harper’s magazine and at San Francisco, California’s Richard Contemporary Art Gallery. The art collectors’ resource “Artsy” considers her one of the ten “Masters of Photorealism” in America. In 2009, she was a finalist for the prestigious Hunting Art Prize and won it in 2011. She also was the winner of the 2012 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Award.
Rear end of a red 1960 Chevy Impala by Cheryl Kelley
Kelley knew for many years that she wanted to be an artist. “My love for painting began as a small child. As soon as I was able to hold a crayon, I began obsessively making art,” she said.
Blue Chevrolet Corvette illustration by Cheryl Kelley
Many automotive historians have said that Kelley’s artwork captures the aesthetic experience of viewing classic cars. Her technique and subject matter have inspired numerous tributes from automotive fans worldwide who are impressed by the photorealism of her paintings. For example, the “Blue Corvette” featured in this story (above) is just breathtaking.
Chevrolet Nova illustration by Cheryl Kelley
In 2008, Kelley began creating automotive paintings using oil on aluminum panels that created a great look. She loves American muscle cars that dominated sales during the 1960s and early 1970s. Her automotive work has been a part of many group exhibitions, including the 2013 Summer Sights exhibition and the 2016 Land Escapes in New York, along with many solo exhibits over the course of her career.
1965 Oldsmobile illustration by Cheryl Kelley
In conclusion, Cheryl Kelley is known around the world for her paintings of classic and muscle cars. Her style is photorealism and hyperrealism that many automotive enthusiasts admire.
Bibliography
Kelley, Cheryl. “About Me.” Artist Statement Art News.
Anthony Bruncili Fine Arts, 186 State Street, Binghamton NY 13901. “Art SY.”