NaMoPaiMo to the rescue

Painting model horses is not a success only journey.

Every day, there's a new story of frustration...

and woe.

These are not just rookie mistakes. 

These things happen to everyone. They are - unfortunately! - part of the process.

Heh.

This is where the community aspect of NaMoPaiMo comes into play. If you're feeling frustrated or stuck, let us know.

We're here to help.

We're here to support.

Earlier this month, Kristina Bonadurer experienced a "mane crisis". She explains: I just realized that most Criollo horses have a long forelock. When sculpting I used a reference from a dated breed book with black and white photos. It looked like the forelock was also roached, but now that I’ve been studying color patterns it looks like most forelocks are long. I’m tempted to make a new forelock, but I also don’t want to mess up my painting. Do any experts have an opinion on accuracy for showing purposes?

Lots of people weighed in with words of wisdom regarding hair styles and showability, but Quinn-Levi Kinder-Chase went one step further, suggesting a neat and (relatively) easy sculpting fix.

Ta da!

Here it is after painting and attachment. Kristina writes: Soooo glad I went for it instead of wondering what if. Now to finish up the painting!

A few days ago, Kale Rougeau was also experiencing issues. They write: I admit I’m feeling just a teeny bit discouraged right now. She’s looking way more flaxen chestnut than mushroom. I’m going to try to darken the upper body more like the head, then I’m thinking a light gray acrylic wash/glaze will give more of the tint I’m looking for. I’m so far from done, but luckily NaMo has a deadline. Without that I’d drag this out like all my other projects.

As per usual, a few someones stepped with advice...

and support.

The next day, Kale posted this update: Day 19 and I’m feeling a LOT better about her color now!! Thanks to those who encouraged me and gave color mixture suggestions! I did a diluted but still pretty opaque layer of dusty-brown-gray acrylic mix, and I think her tone is much better now. I’ll need to go in and add some lighter and darker areas and continue detailing, but at least I feel like I’m on the right track now.

Painting model horses is hard, but there's no reason to make it harder. As we roll into the last week of NaMoPaiMo, I really hope everyone will continue to lean into the community aspect of this event. We're all in this together!