Teen Cowboy Artist Named ‘Grand Champion’ at Rodeo Art Show—Fetches $30,000 at Auction for Painting

An American high school student was named Grand Champion of the renowned rodeo arts show. She will take home $30,000 after her exquisite, photo-realistic artwork of a horseback riding cowboy is auctioned.

Mia Huckman is an 18-year old girl who lives in Houston. She attends Foster High School near Richmond. Out of 4,500 submitted entries, Mia Huckman was the winner at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s 2023. School Art Contest After entering her fourth consecutive year, she was admitted on February 11.

The photo of a Texas ranch that her teacher gave her was the inspiration for her acrylic painting.

“I started working on it in mid-October and finished it in early January,” Mia spoke to The Epoch Times. “The title, ‘Our Last Roundup,’ was intended to reflect some of the changes that have occurred at that ranch since the photo was taken, as well as a bit of my own personal experience with this being the last year that I’m eligible to enter the School Art Contest.”

Mia said that the detailed painting was difficult. “The deadline is always stressful, and I would often end up staying up super late or waking up super early to work on the piece, in between school work and extracurricular activities. A lot of the time I would have to stay home from trips or hanging out with friends to get work done.”

She stated that it was challenging. “capture the out-of-focus background of the piece accurately,” She hasn’t done it before.

Mia had hoped that Mia would convey the themes of “peace and tranquility,” ” patience and strength” she painted. The school she attended encouraged her that winning the art contest could be possible. “lead to lots of beneficial opportunities,” For example, you might sell your work at auction.

According to Lamar School District, Mia’s winner painting will be sold at auction on March 12. press release. Mia is aware that additional copies of the printed version will be made.