NaMoPaiMo day ten

Eight percent of the artists who are participating in NaMoPaiMo this year consider themselves professionals. The rest of us - by our own admission - are amateurs.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Instead of trying to paint a masterpiece, a lot of us are just trying to paint.

photo by Melissa Addison

We don't always know what we're doing.

photo by Aubrey Dutra

We struggle with the ugly stages...

photo by Tina Melin

and spend a lot of time reminding ourselves to trust the process.

photo by Samantha Snyder

Sometimes we start one color and end up with another.

photo by Paige Palen

Sometimes everything comes together.

photo by Faith Martin

Other times everything ends up in a bucket.

Either way, it's okay.

photo by Heather Collins

We are learning.

photo by Chris Compton

We are supporting each other.

We are having fun.

photo by Vicky Lupaindago

NaMoPaiMo is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

photo by Missy Shaw

A couple days ago, my friend, Kristie Strange posted the following on the NaMoPaiMo page: 

Warning: this post is going to be long and sappy. 

In the last year I have re-entered the hobby after a decade hiatus. Back in 2012 or so I had a bit of a mid-life crisis and got rid of anything and everything that resembled a model horse. I had quite an impressive collection; several resins, I was an avid collector of Lori Daniels work, I had acquired my grail model (Jolly’s Cache Advance), had gotten pretty competitive in photo showing, and though i didn’t do much live showing, had made some great online friends.  

Returning to the hobby, it’s been interesting to see how things have changed.  Realistic backgrounds are no longer a thing for photo-showing. That kinda blew my mind. I can actually find vintage Breyers in antique stores, and just the quality and abundance of Breyers and resins is mind-blowing, not to mention the prices.  

My heart is with vintage.  While I still pine over my lost collection of years ago, I know financially I will never be able to recapture that.  Currently, I have a modest collection of OF Breyers, most vintage with the exception of a few. I had to have the new Fjord! I also have several vintage plastic Hong Kong toy horses, which were my staple toys back in the 70’s, before I discovered Breyer Horses.  I have a heart for toy horses in general.  

What does this have to do with NaMoPaiMo? Nothing. Just kidding! It very much has a lot to do with it! A few weeks ago I told Jennifer that I was still trying to find my place in the hobby, and I was a little discouraged.   decided to register for NaMoPaiMo, my first time. I have painted lots before, but never during NaMoPaiMo. I rushed through my horse because I’m impatient and compulsive, but all of you have inspired me. I’m wishing I hadn’t rushed because I see a community of hobbyists that support and encourage one another. I want to be a part of this community, toy horses and all. Thank you, Jennifer, for putting all of this together, thank you Stephanie, and all of the other wonderful artists for your tips and encouragement.  

I want to continue painting, but this time, I’m going to take the time to prepare, prep, and have the proper accessories I need instead of glad-handing my way through it and smearing oil pastels on my models with my fingers!

I have found my place!

Welcome to the NaMoPaiMo family, Kristie. We are so happy to have you, we are calling you today's NaMoPaiMo Champion of the Day.

Congratulations and keep painting. I can't wait to see what you and all the rest of your fellow amateurs do next!