Dark Horse Ranch: A Hand Painted Safe That Tells a Story

The Client & Project:

This project began with a custom-built safe, crafted by Brazos Safe & Vault in Waco, Texas. It was my first time working with this company, and I was fascinated by their craftsmanship—designing and painting safes that are both secure and stunning.

My client reached out to me after his safe was installed, wanting a hand-painted logo for the door that would represent his ranch he loving called, Dark Horse Ranch. The name itself carries deep personal meaning, reflecting his legacy and personality in a powerful way. My task was to translate that significance into a design that felt both timeless and bold.

The Process:

Every project starts with pencil and paper. After discussing his vision over the phone, I gained insight into his appreciation for fine craftsmanship, detailed sculpture, and a style that blends simplicity with luxury. With that in mind, I sketched a custom logo featuring a striking horse head, paired with antique-inspired pinstriping that nods to classic safe designs—but with a western twist.

Once the design was finalized, I used a small projector and wax pencil to transfer the artwork onto the safe’s surface. The next step was applying genuine copper leaf to key areas, adding a warm metallic contrast. To preserve its brilliance, I sealed the leaf with a protective clear coat before moving on to the final hand-painted details.

Using Mack Tidwell brushes and the Mack Virus Set, I outlined and refined the entire design, bringing depth and precision to the horse’s face. Around the edges of the safe door, I incorporated traditional pinstriping for a classic finish, blending it seamlessly with the hand-painted logo of the safe’s manufacturer.

The Final & Artist Comments:

The finished piece is a perfect balance of history and modern masculinity—classy, bold, and reminiscent of antique safes, yet uniquely personal. The copper leaf accents tie everything together, while the intricate hand-painted details mimic the look of an old engraving. The copper leaf looks  in the floor is also very intriguing.

It was a pleasure collaborating with both my client and Brazos Safe & Vault on this project. Seeing my client’s excitement—especially when he proudly shared photos and brought in his wife to see the final work—reminded me why I love what I do. My goal with every project is to transform personal stories into art that lasts, and this safe now stands as a testament to his ranch, his legacy, and his appreciation for craftsmanship.

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