HOUSTON — An 18-year-old student from Pasadena ISD sold a drawing for a record-breaking $240,000 Sunday at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art auction.
Hector Maldonado won grand champion for his colored drawing, "After the Storm Comes a Calm," inspired by a photo of bareback rider Lane McGehee, who joined Maldonado on stage.
"You know, if you really like what you do, anything's possible, you know?" Hector said.
Hector started drawing as a kid. He said he used to trace Spongebob characters on the TV.
Hector's drawing took about two months to finish.
"Yeah, people think it's a photograph. But, it's a drawing," he said.
Buyers included Mary and Ken Hucherson, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Jennifer and Joe Van Matre, and Lynda and Jim Winne.
“It is for the kids,” Paul Somerville said. “We are very blessed to get to share our blessings with these kids.”
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The Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art was exhibited by Melissa Sosa, 17, also from Pasadena ISD.
Photos: Rodeo School Art Program entries
Her painting, “Wouldn’t Change a Thing,” sold for $180,000 to Terry and Dr. Joe Agris, Sharon and George Buschardt, Cheryl and Gary Deitcher, and Rene and Taylor Whitaker.
George Buschardt said he and his family has been involved with the Rodeo since 1972 and are dedicated to supporting Texas youth.
“The youth today are going to be the leaders of tomorrow,” George Buschardt said. “Whether it is raising cows or making a painting, we have to do whatever we can to help them.”
Maldonado gets $38,000 of the prize money and Sosa gets $19,000. The rest will go into a fund for other scholarships.
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Her reserve grand champion-winning painting "Wouldn't Change a Thing" sold for $180,000 to Terry and Dr. Joe Agris, Sharon and George Buschardt, Cheryl and Gary Deitcher, and Rene and Taylor Whitaker.
George Buschardt said he and his family has been involved with the Rodeo since 1972 and are dedicated to supporting Texas youth.
“The youth today are going to be the leaders of tomorrow,” George Buschardt said. “Whether it is raising cows or making a painting, we have to do whatever we can to help them.”
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