Stephanie's BCC entry

Stephanie Blaylock has perfected the art of sculpting with paint. Instead of using epoxy to add details such as wrinkles, folds and veining, she creates the appearance of them with paint. It's a handy skill, but especially in a contest that requires an unaltered body. Here's a look at Stephanie's 2023 Best Customs Contest entry in the Finishwork category, Moira Rose.

The Making of Moira Rose

by Stephanie Blaylock

Stephanie writes: I don’t think anyone was happier than me when Breyer said they were releasing a new Arabian mold sculpted by Brigitte Eberl. I bought three! I immediately knew I would paint the first one fleabitten gray.

I started her in January with the most intensive prep job I've ever done. To say she tested my prep skills is as understatement. She had some molding issues, but I had to be careful not to change anything in case I decided to enter her in the Best Customs Contest.

Because of that, she’s filled with faux details to accentuate all the lovely qualities I knew Brigette had sculpted that were lost in the molding process.

All of her neck creases and muscle folds and belly veining aren’t really sculpted but painted.

Even her ear wrinkles and expression skin folds on her face.

Even though I have painted a lot of fleabits in the past, she has several new techniques and experiments. As with most horses, I will want to tweak at her forever. Good thing there’s a deadline.

Every year since I have known about the Best Customs Contest I have planned out what I think I can execute well enough to enter, typically an Appaloosa of some sort. This year is different. I don’t know if Moira Rose is fancy enough to win, but she has my heart.  

Congratulations, Stephanie. I am so glad you decided to follow your heart this year. Moira Rose is stunning, a perfect showcase of your skills and absolutely fancy enough.