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About

David Cheney MA, CMI

Creator & Founder of MostlyBeastly Studio

Where science meets soul.

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I’m a board-certified, award-winning medical illustrator and wildlife artist with a lifelong passion for science, art, and the natural world.

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From early on, I was drawn to both the structure beneath the surface and the emotion that brings a subject to life. That dual perspective continues to shape everything I create.

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My work lives at the intersection of anatomical precision and emotional storytelling - capturing not just how an animal looks, but how it feels. Whether it’s the quiet intelligence in a chimpanzee’s gaze or the warmth of a companion animal, my goal is always the same:

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To create art that feels alive.

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MostlyBeastly was built from that vision.

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It’s more than just a portfolio, it’s a space where art, education, and storytelling come together. A place for artists who want to move beyond surface-level detail and start creating work with depth, clarity, and presence.

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Through my artwork, tutorials, and courses, I teach a structured, repeatable approach rooted in:

  • Understanding form, light, and anatomy

  • Seeing like an artist - not just copying reference

  • Capturing emotion and personality

  • Building confidence through process​
     

Because when you understand why something works, you’re no longer guessing, you’re creating with intention.

And that’s when your work truly starts to stand out.

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