CJ Brown grew up on a farm in Illinois, where she developed a deep passion for the people, animals, and landscape of her rural heritage.
She earned an art degree from Luther College, located in Decorah, Iowa, and then entered a commercial art career. She eventually went on to become a leading livestock illustrator for the beef industry, where she has completed work for just about every major breed association in the United States and Canada, as well as such corporations as American Angus Hall of Fame, Cargill Beef, Zoetis, National Western Stock Show, and World Beef Expo – just to name a few. A crowning achievement for CJ was a 4′ x 6′ watercolor painting commissioned for 801 Chophouse, a restaurant in Denver, Colorado.
In 2008, CJ was inducted into the Honorary Angus Foundation for her work on behalf of the junior program. Her artwork hangs in homes, farms, and ranches around the world.
CJ resides in northern Illinois, where she raises Angus and Simmental cattle with her son on her farm, appropriately named Paint Brush Farm.
HEAR FROM MY CLIENTS
“CJ is a recognized artist in the livestock industry. Several of her Shorthorn art pieces hang in the ASA office. It just made sense when we decided to use her to create our special 150th anniversary artwork. She knows livestock and was able to tie several images together to create the perfect piece for our celebration.”
“Vitalix commissioned CJ to do a piece that represents our company and our client’s culture. CJ took great detail in understanding us and our work. Her incredible gift brought our dream to life. We, and our customers, cherish the work she did for us.”
“I own several original pieces, and my very own commission of one of my Angus bulls. I am a repeat customer who loves to look at CJ’s pieces, which hang in my home. I can call her whenever I need, as she’s very personable and easy to work with.”
“I have worked with Cindy Brown on multiple commissioned pieces for the Angus and Shorthorn breeds. The direction she provides for the artistic intent of the piece, along with her understanding of the expectations of the audience, is extraordinary. She is a gifted artist who knows livestock and the people who collect livestock art!
Cindy has a wealth of experience and never-ending imagination to help think through every stage of the project. From developing the concept through painting and printmaking, she devotes her time and talent to each aspect and is truly invested in her clients’ success.
While I thoroughly appreciate her accurate and balanced portrayals of livestock, I always find myself being pulled deeper into the intricate and expansive landscapes that come from her imagination. The interesting details of the background are her unique signature!”
“CJ Brown was selected by the American Wagyu Association to create our inaugural Wagyu print due to her high-quality talents, attention to detail and knowledge of the beef industry. The print was a huge success and received high praise from members from across the country. We as a beef breed association will continue to utilize CJ Brown for additional work with the Wagyu breed.”
