Grateful Beyond Measure — A Thanksgiving Reflection
“Proud Mama”
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you.
If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
-Zig Ziglar
As Thanksgiving arrives, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for the countless blessings woven through this past year. It has been a season rich with faith, creativity, friendship, and God’s unmistakable guidance. Looking back, I can see His hand in every opportunity, every connection, and every brushstroke.
I am deeply thankful for my family — my husband Troy, who has supported me through it all with strength, belief, and love; my mother Maxine, my biggest fan who video chats with me every morning; my sons Ricky and Brayden, my sweet daughter-in-law Taylor, and my little artist grandson Hunter, who inspires me more than he knows. They are my foundation, my joy, and my encouragement in every season.
I am thankful to God for His direction, His provision, and for opening doors I never knew existed. From the wild beauty of the plains to the quiet moments in my studio, He continues to guide the path beneath my feet. My church family at Crossroads in Decatur has also been a tremendous blessing. Being invited to paint a praise painting during worship night was one of the most powerful, spiritual, and unforgettable experiences of my life.
This year brought opportunities I never could have imagined. I’m grateful to Pat Doak for taking me out (in the past several summers) to photograph the wild horses of Wyoming — without her generosity, I would have no horses to paint. I’m thankful to Ann Souders of Forever Branded for her passion for the mustangs and for inviting me to come paint during the Mustang event in Tyler, TX — an incredible honor and a moment I will always cherish.
I’m grateful beyond words for the many artists who have guided, taught, and encouraged me along the way — Laurie Pace, James R. Spurlock, Stephanie & John Burk at Horseshoe Bend, and so many others whose generosity has shaped my growth. Painting and learning at Horseshoe Bend Studio has been a blessing, as has the support of Cool Creek Fine Art Gallery in Bridgeport, TX.
I’m thankful for the Chisholm Trail Artists Association in Bowie, TX, and humbled to have won 1st and 3rd place in painting in the 2025 Nocona Art of the Song Art Show. I’m grateful for being invited to the Sheriff Posse Ranch Rodeo Art Show, and for the sale of my painting “Proud Mama.” Each of these moments reminds me of God’s goodness and the joy of creating art that touches others.
Designing my own creative space, Chatham Creek Studio, has been another dream in progress. I am so grateful to Gary Huckabee of Vintage Flooring in Ft. Worth, and to Jeffrey Doss and Neil Robinson, Troy Chatham, Linda & Charlie Slocum, Dustin Gray, Patrick and Ricky for the construction work that is bringing my studio to life, and for the generosity of my in-laws and friends that donated for the electric, insulation and heat and air unit. What a journey, and what a blessing.
I’m also thrilled — and thankful — to welcome my first studio student, a talented 13-year-old girl from Paradise, TX, who will begin learning oil painting with me next week. To teach and pass on the love of art feels like another answered prayer.
And to all of my collectors, clients, and supporters — thank you for loving my work, for believing in me, for lifting me up throughout the year, and for supporting the pieces I’ve created and donated to charity fundraisers. You have helped make this year full of joy, purpose, and possibility.
This has been a year full of fun, work, love, learning, dreams growing, and prayers answered. I have been blessed beyond measure — more than I could ever imagine or think.
“Give thanks with a grateful heart, for every good and perfect gift is from above.”
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
With love and gratitude,
Karen Kennedy Chatham
Chatham Creek Studio
karenkchatham.com
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“Art is the language that everyone can understand.”
Karen Chatham
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