Young Stephenville artist gets first place finish at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo’s art show; then sells his painting.

Jude Hoffman pictured with his painting, "Yuccas at Sunset."

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

For most artists, it takes years to make money on their work, but Jude Hoffman managed to sell his first painting at the age of five after entering, “Yuccas at Sunset,” into the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo’s art show.

He took first place in his age division, which included 77 entries.

Jude, a kindergartner at White Horse Christian Academy in Stephenville, is the son of Kyle and Shayla Hoffman.

Credit for his artistic ability, however, should be given to his grandmother Laura Ann Priddy who was an art teacher in Stephenville for 30 years.

“When he finished the painting, Jude said, ‘This is a winner, Lolli,’” Laura Ann told Beneath the Surface News.

“Then we got a call that he was in the top seven in his age bracket.”

The family attended an awards presentation last weekend where buyers, which included Taylor Sheridan, bid on the art.

Jude's painting sold after receiving 14 bids, but he won’t know who purchased it or how much it sold for until he receives a check in the mail.

Vanessa Halford, executive director of White Horse Christian Academy, said Jude is an exceptionally sweet and funny child who also likes to read.

“He is an awesome kid,” Vanessa said. “He is very curious, funny and always smiling; he’s just precious.”