Prepping for success

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: The best way to ensure a successful NaMoPaiMo is to start February with a prepped and primed model. 

I haven't had a successful NaMoPaiMo since 2021. This year, I am determined, so today was a serious kind of prep day.

It's always good to have options, this is Plan A and Plan B.

Fatass Debeo has been my first choice since I stole him, but before I can paint him, Angelo to give him a mane and tail. We're running out of time for that, so I am proceeding with Plan B, a Kylee Parks Hickory resin.

Although I'm still chasing a few pinholes, this little guy is so close to being ready. I don't foresee any issues with the February first deadline.

If I'm wrong about that, my Stone Horse Arabian yearling will be happy to step up. 

She is my victim for Heather Bullach's February oil painting workshop, so she's getting painted regardless. I've owned her a really long time, and most of her prepwork is already done. However, I just could not abide those blobby nostrils, so today I spent a couple hours sculpting new ones. This is not my strong suit, but I'm pleased with the results. 

Since I had the epoxy out, I also filled the air hole in the corner of her mouth and put a new one in her groin. It's a small change, but an important one.

Horse number four - a Breyer Nikolas - is a NaMoPaiMo model for Ryan's girlfriend, Sarah. I thought most of his prepping was done, but primer always tells another story.

That under jaw seam was too much for sandpaper alone. I ended up using a little epoxy to smooth things out. While I was it, I filled and moved his air hole, too.

The primer also revealed a few other problem areas, especially around his face. 

I don't expect this one will be getting a hyper-realistic paint job, but I want him to be a nice canvas for Sarah. It's worth taking the time to get him as perfect as I can.

Here's today's after photo.

This has been a very productive day. Everyone is so much further along. Everyone that is, except for Debeo. Sorry grumpy dude, it looks like this won't be your year.

That's okay. I am really excited about Plan B and Plan C. I think this just might be my best and most productive NaMoPaiMo yet!