NaMoPaiMo day one

NaMoPaiMo is finally here. In the words of Lisa Smalley: Let the base coating begin!

Jenn Constantine posted this picture of her model's basecoat in progress with this reminder: The first color layer almost always looks awful and discouraging. Keep going. The difference between the first and second layer (first on right/neck, second on left/barrel) is where it starts to look more like what you want! Remember to use thin layers, and with acrylics, you need to make sure each layer dries thoroughly before starting the next!

Here's two layers of Pan Pastels on Nadia Paige's Ravenhill. 

Brie Cundiff is also using pastels. Here's one layer that has been sealed with Testors Glosscote. Fleabites are next!

Carole Ingram...

and Amanda Richter spent their day dappling.

Of course, not everyone has reached the paint stage. Some people - including Kristen Taylor - are still customizing.

As for me, I'm still prepping. I thought I was there, but my so-called last spritz of primer revealed a fresh batch of pinholes. It's frustrating, but not the end of the world. As my friend and fellow NaMoPaiMo staff members, Margaret Balch says, NaMoPaiMo is not a race. Don't feel pressured to hurry because other people are going faster than you. It's okay. Take your time and enjoy the process!

That said, this year's first NaMoPaiMo Champion of the Day goes to French painter, Caroline Philip, in recognition of her amazing day one progress.

Caroline writes: My first NaMo day was busy! I was really excited to paint, so I’ve pretty much painted all day. I’m so happy I chose Aerosmith as my entry.  He is really fun to paint. This is one coat of oils on top of an airbrushed base coat. He will be a dark bay tobiano.

Congratulations, Caroline, and good job to everyone who worked on their models today. I can't wait to see what we all do tomorrow!