A Modern Masterpiece: New York Artist Laurence “Sketch” Cheatham Reimagines His Daughter as the Mona Lisa

In a world full of digital filters and fleeting trends, one New York-based artist is bringing timeless beauty back to life — one stroke at a time.

Laurence Cheatham, affectionately known as “Sketch,” is a celebrated visual artist and devoted father whose portraits have captured some of the most influential icons of our time — from Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, and Frida Kahlo to Prince, Ellen DeGeneres, and Cardi B. His medium of choice? Colored pencils, markers, and pure emotion.

But while Cheatham has drawn world leaders and celebrities, nothing — he says — compares to his most recent masterpiece: a lovingly detailed portrait of his 9-year-old daughter, Alyssa, reimagined as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (Essence).

“In recent years, she’s really developed an interest in art,” Cheatham told Today. “She loves drawing portraits, and a few months ago, she mentioned how she wanted to draw the Mona Lisa. She said she was nervous because of how detailed it is — but I told her to go for it anyway.”

That simple conversation sparked something deeper. Without Alyssa knowing, her father began sketching in secret — determined to create a surprise that would both honor her passion and boost her confidence.

“Shortly after that conversation I began brainstorming, unbeknownst to her, and this is what I came up with as a surprise,” Cheatham shared on Instagram. “Little does she know, this is just one of many.”

When he finally unveiled the piece — a stunning reimagination of the world’s most famous painting, featuring Alyssa’s curious smile and youthful glow — the internet fell in love. The post quickly gained traction, with followers praising the piece as both a tribute to family and a reminder of the beauty of representation in art (People).

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Art Meets Fatherhood

Cheatham’s Instagram feed is a vibrant gallery of color and creativity, filled with portraits that highlight Black excellence, cultural icons, and everyday heroes. Yet, in recent months, it’s clear that Alyssa has become his greatest muse.

“My daughter is my biggest inspiration,” Cheatham said. “Watching her grow, watching her explore her creativity — it reminds me why I started creating art in the first place.” (Essence)

Art critics have noted that Cheatham’s work stands out not only for its technical precision but also for its emotional resonance. His latest piece — part homage to da Vinci, part love letter to fatherhood — captures what The New York Times has called “a growing movement among contemporary artists to merge family narratives with classical motifs.”

The composition mirrors the famous Mona Lisa pose — Alyssa’s hands folded gracefully, her eyes steady yet alive with curiosity — but the palette is richer, more modern. The background glows with warm golds and soft neutrals, evoking both tradition and imagination.

“It’s not just about replicating a masterpiece,” Cheatham explained. “It’s about rewriting it — giving my daughter the chance to see herself as art, as history, as worthy of the frame.” (Today)

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A Viral Moment, A Lasting Message

Since sharing the portrait, Cheatham has received messages from parents and educators across the U.S. thanking him for inspiring young artists — especially children of color — to see themselves reflected in fine art spaces that have historically excluded them (People).

He’s also hinted at turning the Mona Alyssa portrait into part of a larger series celebrating creativity, confidence, and family.

“This is just the beginning,” he teased. “Little does she know, there are many more surprises to come.”

As for Alyssa, she’s taken her father’s encouragement to heart. She’s already sketching her own portraits and experimenting with colors and shading, sometimes sitting beside him in his studio.

“I want to be like my dad,” she said with a shy smile in a short video clip he posted. “I want to make art that makes people happy.” (Essence)

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A Portrait of Love and Legacy

For Cheatham, the project is more than just art — it’s a legacy of love.

“Being an artist and a father means showing my daughter that creativity can be a way of life,” he told Today. “Art can connect us to who we are, and to each other.”

As the image of Alyssa as Mona Lisa continues to circulate online, it’s not just drawing praise for its beauty — it’s inspiring thousands of parents to nurture their children’s creative dreams.

Because sometimes, the most extraordinary masterpieces aren’t found in museums. They’re made at home — by a father’s hands, guided by a daughter’s imagination.