They say good things come to those who wait. After having this project come to fruition and a long time in the making, I am now a steadfast believer in this statement. When I reached out to Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association) and shared my goals with him, dialogue began on how to properly align my work with the NCHA. Several ideas were unearthed and ruminated over and with a patient waiting period on both accounts, the opportunity presented itself as the unquestionable choice to pursue.
My obligation as an artist and a new SPONSOR of the NCHA was to fulfill the tall order of immortalizing the one and only METALLIC CAT. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this project, was keeping it under wraps until it’s respective unveiling, December 11, 2021. Once the choice reference photo of Metallic Cat was secured, I set aside all projects at hand and treated this commission painting with as much respect as the individual himself deserves. In the quiet confines of my studio, day after day, layer after layer, one brush stroke at a time, Metallic Cat unfolded himself into this portrait I am deeply proud to share with the world.
The original painting was presented by the NCHA & myself to his proud owner, Mr. Bobby Patton during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2021 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity in Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Patton of Rocking P Ranch, Weatherford, TX is a long-time supporter of the NCHA, with Metallic Cat being title sponsor of the NCHA.
This project was an effort not possible without the generosity and outright kindness of Mr. Darrell Dodds. My gratitude to you Darrell, for allowing me the use of your photograph of Metallic Cat, for without this, none of this would have been possible. Not to mention the team of people who all played a part in bringing this project to full capacity.
Both professionally and personally, I am deeply proud to share with you my depiction of this Legendary stallion. It is one of my greatest honours to date, being chosen to immortalize one of the Industry’s most significant contributors in history.
*Watch the inspiring EVOLUTION OF METALLIC CAT, a rare glimpse into my process in the studio.
Click here to own your very own METALLIC CAT ART PRINT.
ABOUT METALLIC CAT
2005 AQHA red roan stallion by Highbrow Cat and out of Cher’s Shadow (by Peptoboonsmal)
During his career in the cutting pen, Metallic Cat amassed more than $637,000 in lifetime earnings and garnered multiple NCHA titles. He has garnered the title of the number one sire of the National Reined Cow Horse Association & the National Cutting Horse Association with sire earnings of over $47,000,000. Metallic Cat is proudly owned by Bobby Patton’s Rocking P Ranch, based in Patton’s hometown of Weatherford, Texas.
