Welcome to my Web site!

My name is Mitchell and I love to paint life and all that comes with it.  I guess my favorite  subject matter is western or rodeo art.  I see the beauty of the horse and the movements they make while working, playing or just standing hitched to the post.  Since I became a member of the AQHA and NBHA, I look at horses differently.  Most see a huge animal that has a mind of their own, they couldn't be more right.  But when you add an individual personality you get a one of kind of living subject.  This is my challenge, to capture the true spirit of the horse with their personality setting them apart from each other.

My current work is a cutting horse in action (sample of cutting horse).  I think this is the finest example of man and horse as one.  In truth, the horse is in command of the situation and the rider supports the attention of the animal to stay in front of the cow or calf.  Cutting horses helped the cowboys in separating the herd for branding or culling.  The animal must keep its attention on the separated calf and keep it away from the others.  The calves dart one direction and then back again very quickly, the horse maintains its position in front not letting the animal return to the herd.  Doesn't sound hard does it?  Once you watch the horse at work you actually see just how hard it is to keep the speedy little calf in front and separated.

The rider must hold on tightly or they are thrown from the saddle!  By saying that I mean the cutting horse is more nimble that one would expect a large animal to move, changing directions so quickly.  Once you witness the animal and it's ability to anticipate the movement of the calf, it makes you see how important a tool they were to the cowboy.

I hope you enjoy my interpretations of the horse at work and play.  All the art is for sale as well as individual commissions.  If you ever have a chance to watch a cutting horse in action I think you will be amazed and overwhelmed with how intelligent the horse is and how it helped shape the world as we know it!

Mitchell Miller