NaMoPaiMo days twenty four and twenty five

The last part of NaMoPaiMo is filled with magic.

photo by Kristen Cermele

After weeks of slow-to-no progress, suddenly everything is happening really, really quickly. 

People are working feverishly.

photo by Luke Haskins

Every time I refresh the NaMoPaiMo Live Stats page there are new horses in the Winners' Circle.

It's magic.

photo by Vicky Lupaindago

With so much happening all at the same time, I can not possibly keep up. Here are just a few of the weekend's many highlights.

photo by Ilona Himmelmann

Earlier in the week, Julia Uziel ran into a grain problem with her pastelled model. She was ready to strip it, but the community helped her make an acrylic wash correction instead. She writes: I am so freaking proud of this model, and he's not even done yet! I might skip his markings because I love his color so much.

Longtime NaMo painter, Sondra Householder, completed her model today. Here's her account of her 2024 projecct: Forty four years ago, Comet crossed the rainbow bridge. I’ve been creating model horses almost that long, and I have never done a portrait of him…

Until now! When some part of the process tugged on my heart, like getting the lower legs light enough, I knew I had nailed it. There is plenty of artistic license here, but I see Comet. It makes me so happy. I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner. Thank you, Jennifer and thank you NaMoPaiMo community for giving me a place to share this very personal and precious project!

Samantha Wiggin is also pleased with her newest creation. She writes: I did it!!!!!! This NaMoPaiMo was a month of firsts for me. It’s my first NaMoPaiMo, my first time doing a dappled grey, and my first time using pastels! There were definitely a few bumps along the way, I’ve started and stripped this girl twice before February. There were a few moments where I wanted to start over but my goal this year was to complete her without starting over. But it all paid off! I’m in love with her! Can’t wait for next year.

Beatrice Rudolph had a very similar journey. She says: And he’s done! My NaMoPaiMo 2024 model, a Breyer paddock pal I customized with a new mane and tail, is finished. He is completed in oils and acrylics to a bay rabicano. I just love him! He’s my first roan, and I’m so proud.

Finally, there's this from Hanna Wikborg: I'm so close now. I have been working on the details today. Getting a little sad that this event soon will be over. I'm having so much fun and finding that I actually prioritize my hobby more now. I love to watch everybody's progress pics, stories and advice everyday. I know this group will still be here, but I have really been loving this, like, group effort to finish our models and helping each other out. Gonna miss this so much. I'm already looking forward to next year! I'm super happy I found out about NaMoPaiMo.

As we reach the end of the month, I feel that same mix of happiness, gratitude and sadness. Thank you, Hanna, for understanding the magic that is NaMoPaiMo. I'm so glad you found us. You are this weekend's NaMoPaiMo Champion of the Day(s).

Congratulations, Hanna, and good vibes to everyone in this community. There are still a few days left. Let's make some more magic!