Sarah Kennedy

My wild imagination and tomboy tendencies as a child shaped me as an artist today. I still express my love of the horses, the natural world and the beauty of the desert in my painting. Themes in my work are inspired by contemporary and traditional ranch life, rodeo, gymkhanas and other equine events. The most joyful work I do however, is the equine and figurative commission. A sparkle in the eye, the softness of a draped mane or curved neck, the light that creates drama or luminosity, color that brings excitement or serenity are elements I use to capture life and feeling. The experience of connection and intimacy is what I want to create in my paintings.

Sarah L. Kennedy was born in Kentucky and raised in east Tennessee. She has been captivated by art her whole life, experimenting with oils, watercolor, graphite and even with wood and linoleum etchings since a young age. However, she did not follow this path and choose a career in Food Technology working as a food scientist at Pillsbury, Nestle and Stouffers Foods. After a hiatus of many years and a variety of other endeavors, she returned to her first love- painting and horses. She is grateful for the institutions, teachers and many talented individuals who have supported her growth as an artist.
Sarah lives in southern Arizona where her favorite pastime is riding the natural trails of the Sonoran desert with her horse Blue. She is a member of Oil Painters of America; American Women Artists, Western Associates and a board member and 2015 National Exhibit Show Chair for Women Artists of the West. Sarah is the 2016 artist for the Tucson Rodeo official poster, featuring world champion Sherry Cervi and her celebrated horse Stingray.

Juried Shows and Awards
2023 Settlers West Gallery Summer Show, Tucson, AZ
2023 Settlers West Gallery Miniature Show, Tucson, AZ
2022 Settlers West Gallery Summer Show, Tucson, AZ
2022 Settlers West Gallery Miniature Show, Tucson, Az
2022" The American West", Four Corners Gallery, Tucson Desert Art Museum, Tucson, AZ
2021 Settlers West Gallery Summer Show", Tucson, AZ
2021 "Settlers West Miniature Show", Tucson, AZ
2020 "Canyons of the Southwest", Art Show and Sale, Four Corners Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2020 Woman Artists of the West, 50th Anniversary Jubilee Show, Settlers West Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2019 Bosque Art Classic, Bosque Art Center, Clifton, TX
2018 Women Artists of the West 48th National Exhibition, Price Tower Arts Center, Bartlesville, OK
2018 Bosque Art Classic, Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, TX
2017 Eleanor B. Coble Award of Excellence Figurative, Women Artists of the West 47th National Exhibition, Annapolis, MD,
2017 American Academy of Equine Art, National Exhibition
2017 Bosque Art Classic
2016 Women Artists of the West 46th National Exhibition, RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX
2016, "All Creatures Great and Small", Art Show and Sale, Four Corners Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2016, "Wish You Were Here", Juried Show and Sale, T...