07 Sep 2025 Artist of the Month: Keith Petersen

Posted at 4:18 PMh in Neighbors by

By Mark Oliver

More than 30 years ago, Keith Petersen’s artistic breakthrough came not from a gallery or a commission, but rather from a stack of generic note cards and balloons. While working a part-time job, he noticed the company’s attempts at employee recognition lacked heart, so he pitched something different: caricature illustrations to honor the Employee of the Month.

Photos by Makenzie Evans

Inspired by his grandfather, who once told him, ‘You have a talent, don’t waste it,’ and to, ‘Put your trust in the Lord and He will see you through,’ Petersen turned his God-given talent into a more than 30-year tradition. What began as comical doodles became a Wall of Fame and a cultural centerpiece for the company. 

Word of Petersen’s abilities spread quickly. Soon, he found himself freelancing with major brands like Slim Chickens, Enterprise Holdings, Pepperidge Farms and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, Calif., where he created caricature plaques for stars like Keanu Reeves and Adrien Brody.

As demand grew across the country and even overseas, Petersen realized his nine-to-five job wasn’t cutting it anymore. Creating art for others was his calling. “I hated the job I was in and wanted to start my own company,” he said. “My close friend, Harvey Moore, told me to imagine myself on a diving board in total darkness and to go to the edge and jump. So, I did and I have never looked back.”

Just like that, Creative Lines was born. Over the years, Petersen’s portfolio reads like a scrapbook of American icons. From illustrating U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton to entertainers like Jerry Seinfeld and athletes like Nolan Richardson, Dave Van Horn, Houston Nutt, Keith Jackson and Clint Stoerner, his caricatures have captured the spirit of legends while forging long-lasting friendships.

Illustrator Keith Petersen has created multiple pieces that have received acclaim. In 1984, he presented President Ronald Reagan with a portrait that is now in his museum. Petersen created a second illustration that President Reagan signed for him, and it is displayed in his home. Petersen is currently working on his fourth book with basketball great Sidney Moncrief, as well as with another author. He also created a caricature of James Madio from the HBO series “Band of Brothers.” The artist met Madio while on a tour in Normandy and Europe back in 2023. “I especially enjoy doing custom-framed signature format caricatures for retirements, promotions and send-offs for any type of business,” Petersen said.

“One of my most exciting moments in life was meeting President Reagan,” he said. “It opened so many doors for me. His signature is proudly on display in my office, and the original illustration I drew for him is still hanging in his Presidential Library today.”

A passionate sports fan, Petersen found a special niche with the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Since 2018, he has illustrated caricatures for each year’s inductees. The opportunity came unexpectedly while he and his wife were holding a garage sale.

“Tom Mitchell and his wife walked in and saw my caricature of Darren McFadden hanging in the garage,” he said. “Tom knew I had to be part of the Hall of Fame and wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was a godsend.”

Despite his high-profile work, Petersen’s favorite commissions remain the ones that remind him of where his journey began. “Employee of the Month and retirement caricatures will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “They pull on heartstrings, make people laugh and sometimes bring tears to the eye. More than just a cold plaque or certificate that’s stashed away in a desk drawer, it’s personal, meaningful and uplifting for the entire workplace.”

Hidden within each masterpiece is an Easter egg: Petersen’s signature includes the acronym GGTG, which stands for God gets the glory. “Without Him, I am nothing,” Petersen said. “I came up with the name of my company, Creative Lines, because everything from nature to life itself begins with a line and was created by God. He created me so that I can create for you and add a bit of levity to the day.”

Nationally known artist Keith Petersen began drawing caricatures for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame annual inductees in 2018. They can be seen at the ASHOF museum which is housed inside Simmons Bank Arena by appointment only. Tours are free and donations are greatly appreciated. Call 501.313.4158.

His work extends beyond portraits. He has created promotional posters for sports teams, illustrated town maps for Greenbrier and Fairfield Bay and brought characters to life in books by longtime friend and NBA legend Sidney Moncrief, as well as Conway girls’ basketball coach Ashley Hutchcraft.

“My next big project is illustrating my wife’s book, ‘The Pink Hat,’” Petersen said. “It’s a cute story about our niece who loses her hat in the giraffe enclosure at the zoo. I’m really excited about it.” According to Petersen, great art requires three things: faith, family and a touch of caffeine.

“At my desk is my favorite mug, which says, ‘Today we venture, but first, coffee,’” he said. “My chocolate Lab, Joy, is always under my desk waiting for a Milk-Bone and my wife, Linda, encourages me to pursue my passion every day. I may be 68 years old, but I think I still have at least 30 more years in me.” For more on Keith Petersen’s work, visit clcreativelines.com.

Mark Oliver
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