About the Artist

Born in the West Texas town of Stamford, Melissa Kohout started illustrating in the first grade. On her Big Chief tablets then, later on her book reports, and always centered on her beloved theme of horses.

College years started as a Presidential Scholar at William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri. Texas ties tugged at her heartstrings. She came home to finish up at UT Austin with high honors and a BFA degree.

Galleries in Austin, Houston and Los Angeles represent her. Cover art by Melissa Kohout has graced magazines including Texas Thoroughbred, The Longhorn Scene and The Chronicle of the Horse.

In 1995 when LA Times Magazine noted her work, CNN Headline News and Hollywood Tonight called her for interviews. She appeared on both and discusssed her cattle-themed Western art.

Collectors of her original works include actors John Cleese, Tom Selleck, Tab Hunter, Leslie Nielsen, director Terry Hughes, entertainer Joan Rivers.

Many trainers and riders on the horse-show circuit collect her, including gold-medal Olypmian Melanie Smith-Taylor, Peter Pletcher, Karen Healey, and Archie Cox. Champion calf-roper Fred Whitfield is a fan.

Even politicians respect her work, Former Gov John Connally and former Lt Gov William Hobby owner of Kohout originals.

Melissa Kohout Horse Portraits