Inktober is Near...

 Wow! I haven't posted since February! That is completely my bad guys! I have had a major life change (for the better) starting at the end of March. I was able to get a job at a horse farm & I now work full time there. I recently started working with one of the horses on top of my regular schedule. I also bought a horse: a beautiful three and a half year old Quarter Horse mare that I named Poppy. I am eagerly awaiting her arrival to my full-time barn, but in the meantime, I see her about five times a week and work with her anywhere from two to five times a week. I have been far more active on Instagram on my studio account @spyrytfyrestudios. So there has not been a lack of art.

Honestly, I feel like I ran out of ideas for this blog (temporarily). I didn't feel confident in doing tutorials or walk-throughs of my process as I just didn't feel like my art style/process was something people would be interested. Turns out, I was wrong. My giveaway for Breyerfest certainly calmed those fears as all of my custom spots were claimed. My sales pieces are still sitting though, but that's not surprising, as I just don't post consistently. 

So, what better way to revive the blog than with Inktober? Last year I did my own theme of "Monster Mash". I promised my DeviantArt watchers last year that I would do the actual Inktober prompts, and even with the controversy currently surrounding the Inktober official company, I still intend to use their prompts because that's what I promised. Their legal stuff aside I'm just an artist who promised to use their prompts and I intend to keep to it. 

I am already feeling excited for this challenge, as I just love ink, and I really don't work with it nearly enough! It will be a challenge, time wise, as my days are usually filled to the brim with work. But I'll give it my best! Hope to see you guys next week with the first days of Inktober goodness!

NaMoPaiMo 2020 Reflections

I have been fortunate enough to participate in NaMoPaiMo for three years now. I missed the first year of NaMoPaiMo in 2017, but I was quick to join it in 2018. With the completion of my 2020 model, I am a bit stunned at the progress I've seen just looking back at 2018 compared to this year.

(Back to front-2020, 2019 & 2018 NaMoPaiMo models)

I have had a year of firsts this year, and many of them were on the sidelines rather than on my model itself. First, I actually had my model customized and prepped before February 1st. I used pastels, not only on Emerarudo, but on other models this year-more than I ever have in the past. I'm excited to add this new medium to my skill set at an even higher level as I now have a better grasp, thanks to the various artists on the Facebook group, for their input and advice. 

Speaking of input and advice, I have tried to be more active in asking questions. I am still a little intimidated by the sheer volume of talent NaMoPaiMo artists have from new artists to seasoned pros, but I did ask when I had questions and I think my art has benefited from it.

This year is the first year I've done sculpting on a model for NaMoPaiMo. Emerarudo has the most sculpting I've done on a model, and this includes my tree work in progress model-Symbiosis. 

Emerarudo is also my first custom to have face shading. I actually had practice with this via my Year of the Pig Project on my medallions/magnets. That was the first time I'd ever really shaded the face. Previous customs, unfortunately, were lacking any shading outside of facial markings. I've seen improvement from then to now and that was only a month's time!

Last year re-ignited my creative spirit and shows this year, as I have completed the most "I Did This Too" models to date. Currently, I have a goal to paint, at least, fifty models this year. This means I need to average four models a month, with two months needing 5. January I hit the four, and February, including Emerarudo & Adipose's Triglyceride, I had a whooping ten models completed in February! In one month, I am a fifth of the way to my yearly goal! 

(One of the eight additional models that were painted in February)

Since I mentioned Adipose and Triglyceride, this was the first year for Team Minis Painting Minis/Minis Painting Minis being an event within NaMoPaiMo. Fortunately, I was talked into signing up with Adipose and finished that model too. 

(Front-Triglyceride & Adipose. Back-Rory the Goldfish)

Continuing with Minis Painting Minis, this is my first time creating props for miniatures from Adipose's little brush to his palette. The "table" is just an old jewelry box. 

On the sidelines, this is the first time, since I've been painting regularly, that I had more models on my pastel table compared to my acrylic table.. While some may not consider this an achievement, if you knew my aversion to pastels, you'd understand that that's an amazing feat! Unfortunately, they are on hold till better weather as I just don't have a good place to seal them, and the smell of sealer really gets to me. 

As for what Emerarudo means to me, he came to mean that I CAN do decent sculpting via customizing. He's given me the courage to resume work on Symbiosis, an ambitious custom for me, that when I started him, I did not feel that I had the skills to pull him off. Now, with Emerarudo looking like he stepped right out of my head, I really think I can pull off Symbiosis! It'll be tough as he needs a lot of work, but the results will be well worth it. Just like Emerarudo!

(Before customization)

(The finished model-Emerarudo)

For me, NaMoPaiMo remains an inspiring event that brings hobbyists together to aid each other in their endeavors. I don't think there is really anything else in our hobby that can even be compared to it. Each year Jennifer Bray Buxton of Braymere Custom Saddlery is kind enough to host this event and run it. I cannot thank her enough, and honestly, I'm not sure the hobby can either. It's a purely unique event in our hobby that brings out the best in hobbyists world-wide. I honestly cannot think of anything else in the model horse hobby that does this, I really can't. I'm sure there are some negative moments in NaMoPaiMo (I've seen a few, unfortunately), but that happens in any event. The sheer positivity that this event generates is awe inspiring! I just wish there was a way to have that positivity prevail throughout the year. 

I guess that's my little personal challenge to myself, and to whoever reads this:

Bring the NaMoPaiMo positive attitude to wherever you go or interact in this hobby. When someone asks for help, assist them; if they ask for a critique remember to add some positive and not just negative; congratulate someone on an achievement they are proud of no matter how small; spread the joy of coming together as a hobby! There are so many ways we can bring this positive attitude of NaMoPaiMo elsewhere, and yet we seem to keep it just in this event. I would genuinely love to see this positive attitude more. So please, challenge yourself and try. 

As for next year's NaMoPaiMo, I have an idea going, and I'm going to practice a little bit this year in my medium of choice-oils. I have dabbled in just about every medium from traditional to non-traditional. Now it's time to experiment with the other "big hitter" in the hobby-oils. What am I going to do? A scene horse. As for the scene, well, I'll keep that a secret till next year!

Congratulations to all who finished! You guys are winners! To those who didn't finish, keep working on your model! You can finish it! Don't let it sit till next year! For those who watched this year's participants, please sign up next year! It is a truly a fun, positive experience that cannot be matched in this hobby! Don't miss out on it!

Till the next time!

NaMoPaiMo: Mini Adventures! Fin

My apologies! This was meant to go up last Wednesday and I realized it never posted! So sorry guys!

~~~

NaMoPaiMo: Mini Adventures!
Week Three: Finish!

We started off the week strong with Adipose continuing to put the finishing touches on his donkey. With the paint finished, he moved on to his colored pencil details.

Adipose used a white colored pencil to soften his donkey's markings and then proceeded to add the growth rings on his donkey's hooves.

Once his donkey had all of its details, we had to seal Adipose's new, little friend. I say we, as Adipose was a bit too short to reach the top of the sealer can. Once we'd sprayed the donkey and glossed its eyes, I left Adipose to ponder a new.

You will not believe how hard he worked to come up with the perfect name! He looked up the human body and looked through all the processes of the human body and what makes it up! He was a bit disappointed, but mostly smug, that Adipose was the coolest name for fat. 

Eventually, he did find a name he was satisfied with.

So please give it up for Adipose and his little donkey friend-Triglyceride!

Adipose greatly enjoyed his journey with Triglyceride! He says that he would like to participate again next year & that he will convince a friend or two to do the same! 

His only regret for this year was that, somehow, Rory, who didn't paint, ended up being the bigger star than he was! I told him next year we'll clear out a different spot for him to paint & we'll just let Rory do more cheerleading with Lucky & Renji.

Till next year's mini adventures!

~Adipose

NaMoPaiMo: Week IV: I DID IT!!!

Unlike in previous weeks, I actually did some work on Saturday before driving out to a second interview & job shadowing over the weekend. With the texture now showing through on the scales, I was torn on whether or not to still use the glitter polish. The shading looked nice and I just wasn't sure. So I texted some friends as well as asking on Model Horse Blab.

While waiting for replies on the subject of "glitter or no glitter" I glossed the eyes, hooves, antler and scutes of my kirin to make them stand out a bit more from the body.

Saturday night and into Sunday afternoon I was busy interviewing and job shadowing. Once I got home, I eagerly looked at what friends and Model Horse Blabbers had to say about "glitter or no glitter"...

It was tied. 

(Paint with the glitter polish compared to the Kirin)

I was reassured by this answer as it told me I probably wouldn't ruin my Kirin by using the glitter polish. That being said, I glossed the scales as they were, not wanting to risk it.

With a reminder to add chestnuts from the NaMoPaiMo Facebook group painters, I added chestnuts to my kirin as well as my signature on the bottom of a front hoof.

(Don't forget your chestnuts!)

It wasn't until this morning that I looked at my kirin again and felt unsatisfied with the scales as they were. The shading underneath had been done under the assumption that the scale texture would not show up through the layers of paint and polish. While the shading didn't look bad, I wasn't 100% satisfied with it either. On went the polish with my heart in my throat!

I nearly cried...

From joy! 

My kirin now looked exactly how I'd envisioned! His scales shone like jewels, his color was semi-realistic on his fur, and I'd used multiple mediums to achieve this look just like I'd declared from the start! I did it! Meet Emerarudo! 

While this is technically the end of my NaMoPaiMo adventures, there will still be a post for Mini Adventures and a "reflections" post from my experiences this year.

Till the next time!

NaMoPaiMo: Week III: Ch-Ch-Changes!

As per usual, the weekend I did not paint. What WAS unusual was that I did not resume painting until Wednesday. Monday, I was just not feeling well and the idea of smelling sealer was not appealing in any way, shape or form. Instead, following last week's trend with Lucky-Rory served as inspiration

"A little less than 2 weeks left! You've got this!"

Tuesday I had an interview for a new job that was an hour and forty minutes drive from me as well as a riding lesson that I needed to teach that evening.

When I did resume work on Wednesday, my poor dog, Lucky, tweaked something in his back again. This time has been the worst compared to his past times. I honestly worried that he was paralyzed in his hind end (thankfully it was not that extreme as he can still walk). There was an emergency visit to the vet and now he's on some pain killers and rest for two weeks.

(My precious Lucky before he tweaked his back, he's got several dog beds to lay on-and he's currently laying on his extra soft one now. Yes I am aware of the growth on his paw, it does not bother him so I've left it alone.)

I currently have WAY too many in progress horses and I think only one...no two, are currently a sales pieces. I am definitely remedying that after I finish my NaMoPaiMo model. At least they aren't all for my personal collection. Three are for friends, one is for a swap and then the rest are mine...oh boy.

(Not sure why Adipose's donkey was on my table...)

I've also neglected the Facebook page the last few days, which I'm making up for now, even as I write this blog. As I stated in the prequel, but it bears repeating here: I always want to ensure that people feel their efforts, struggles and hard work are acknowledged. 

(The "Pastel Table")

After several more layers of pastel on the points, I finally said "heck with it" and plopped my kirin back on the acrylic table to get some acrylic on the legs and muzzle to be closer in coloration to the mane, tail, feathers and beard. I don't mind how it looks as the pastels that remain on the legs still softened the shading enough for my tastes.

With the points done, I re-painted some of the yellow on the hooves, antler and scutes to make sure it would help with the subtle shading. From there, I did the first layer of gold...and I'm not sure I like the gold. I will most likely put one more layer of gold on tomorrow and if I still don't like it, I will switch over to silver.

Thursday, I focused on getting the antlers to silver as I really disliked the gold. It took several layers as my metallic paints are not great at covering other colors. Once there I started the eyes by putting down a white layer of paint...and then I stopped. Originally, I intended to paint blue eyes, but the more I thought about it, and the more I looked at the model, I just wasn't sure blue eyes were what this model needed. I set it aside for the rest of the day.

Today (Friday) I went with brown eyes, and I'm so happy I did! This kirin is really starting to look near completion! Once I finished the eyes, I went over some of the white dapples again as they've been fading with the sealer being added, and did one last layer of matte sealer.

(Tri-colored eyes before adding the pupil)

Once I'd applied the matte sealer I started on finishing the scales. First, I put down a layer of dark green nail polish which made the scales that much nicer and softened the shading further.

(It's so shiny!)

Aaaaannnd, I reached a stopping point again due to the scale texture being so visible. My original idea was to add glitter polish over the dark green, but now I’m wondering if it’s necessary? I have a whole weekend to ponder it so we’ll see. The end is in sight! We can do it!

Til the next time!

NaMoPaiMo: Mini Adventures! TWO!

NaMoPaiMo: Mini Adventures!
Week Two: Painting begins!

Adipose started off the week with an unexpected visitor. It would seem that my Quality Control Manager, Renji, the cat, needed to inspect that Adipose's work space was adequate. He also had some words with Rory to make sure that the Goldfish was not being imposed upon by this strange, white creature.

On the same day I helped Adipose post his blog entry; he started to paint! He asked me for my help in picking out colors for his donkey model but insisted that I let him do the painting. The base coat went down without a hitch!

Thursday came, and Adipose was super excited to shade his base coat! He picked some pretty bold colors and I warned him that a little bit of color, especially on white, goes a long way. Adipose brushed it off and eagerly went into his painting. 

I went back to working on my own model (and several others). I didn't see what happened, but the happy sounds of painting soon turned to sounds of exasperation. I wasn't too concerned, as sometimes I did that too, especially if I am trying to paint areas that are hard to access. Next thing I knew, I heard a small clicking sound, like a tiny paintbrush being thrown. Now I was concerned.

I got up from my table and walked over to find Adipose staring forlornly at the wall. Double-checking that his donkey was still on his table, I asked him what was wrong. Adipose claimed that he ruined his model. Frowning, I went to check his model, as when I had given it a cursory glance before checking on him I'd seen nothing wrong. Sure enough, the model, while starkly shaded, was in good shape. No nicks, dings, broken parts, nadda. The donkey was perfectly fine. I told Adipose that the model looked fine and he asked if I'd seen the paint job. I informed him that I had. He asked why I wasn't upset as it could be plainly seen the model would need to be restarted. 

I informed him that his model was not a lost cause and that it could definitely be made into the donkey he wanted it to be. He countered that it looked nothing like any of my horses on my acrylic table. It took a lot of reassuring, but eventually I did convey to Adipose that while the stark coloration looked ugly right now, we could soften it with a layer or two of his base color. No model (that I know of) has ever looked great on its first couple layers of paint, and many suffer from the "ugly stage" for quite some time. It was a natural step in the process and he could keep working on it as it was not a lost cause. I told Adipose that he should probably take the rest of the day off from painting, and continue working on his model tomorrow. He agreed and apologized for losing his brush. 

It turned out that it would be several days before Adipose or I returned to work, but when we finally got back to it today (Wednesday) we went at it with a vengeance!

First, I had to demonstrate on a model what Adipose needed to do. To soften his shading, Adipose needed to do washes of white over his shading. 

Adipose only had to do one wash layer, while I had to do four on my pony. This left Adipose feeling quite smug about his painting abilities. 

Then we moved on to markings. I advised Adipose to use several colors for the spot markings as the fur color would not be the same color throughout on a live donkey. He did this with remarkable speed and his efforts looked quite good!

Once he'd completed his markings, Adipose moved on to softening those said markings. Using a white colored pencil he softened the edges of the spots so that they blended with the fur a bit better. 

After that, Adipose started to work on his details. He started on his eyes and hooves, but then decided that he needed a break. Especially after seeing that I'd zoomed through my Appaloosa pony. He couldn't believe who quickly I'd gotten it done. I informed him that I had more experience and as I liked to work on several projects, it was only natural the pony would be finished.

Not in the least bit reassured, Adipose said he was going to find the Doctor...there was also something about time travel to speed up his painting process...?

Til the next time!

NaMoPaiMo: Week II: Pastels, Pastels Oh the Pastels!

Saturday and Sunday have just become designated days off. After working at the barn, I usually do not have the energy to work on art.

Monday rolled around and while I got sealer on my model, for some reason, I just could not commit to my model. So while I procrastinated, I posted a picture of Lucky to encourage others on the Facebook page. After all, who doesn't like to see a cute animal picture?

(Lucky believes in everyone! You can paint/finish your model!)

I also received an unexpected visit from my Quality Control Manager. Renji decided that he needed to take a look at all of the pastel horses on my pastel table. I guess it was suspicious that I had so many horses on that table. Usually the acrylic table has the majority of the horses. Later in the day, there also happened to be a family emergency, so that ended any slight indication of wanting to work my model.

While the situation wasn't resolved on Tuesday, I was in a better mindset and set to work...sort of. I first worked on using up the rest of my sculpey clay can making more of my "Ruthless" magnets. I will be donating a couple to NaMoPaiMo as prizes (along with a couple other goodies).

(Four of the six I ended up making of my Ruthless magnets)

Eventually, I did get to work on my kirin. I got three layers on my model and was content with that as my base color, as I did not want the model to be too beige in color. I was aiming more for a cream base.

For some reason, by the end of that session, I decided that my Kirin needed some dapples. It didn't help that the image I was referencing had dapples in it too. While I have a method I like for dappling in pastels (eraser), I decided that this time, I would try something new. I only started dabbling in pastels last year & I know I have a lot to learn!

On Wednesday, I started shading my kirin's fur, and adding in the dapples. This time, I was just adding with the pastels. There would be no eraser and no paint. By layer three, I liked my dapples and shading enough to call the body shading good. Tomorrow, I'd be ready to start on the dark points I wanted my kirin to have.

Thursday proved to be a busy day in the studio. I really knuckled down and set to work on adding the dark points to my kirin as well as darkening the mane, tail, beard and feathering. 

It was at this point that I decided to add in some pigments. Usually, I don't touch these as they just seem more intimidating. Pastels are one thing, they are easier to get if I do go through them, but pigments...yeah I am not at a point I can get those readily, so I treat the small containers I do have like they are treasure. 

I was feeling really good as I worked on my model. This kirin was looking EXACTLY like I had envisioned!

So, of course, doubt set in. 

By the time I finished for the day, I was frowning at my model. I wasn't upset with it, but I was wondering if the mane and tail were really heading in the direction I wanted? Did I still want this to stay 100% to what I had in my head? How much dark is too dark? Flaws also started to pop off the model too! I could see several dingle-berries (mentor's name for them lol) some spots with pigment/pastel that wasn't meant to be there, and the list just went on!

I stopped for the day.

As artists, we are very self-criticizing. It's both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing, as it means we are always, ALWAYS striving to do better. It's a curse because we are always belittling our work, even if it's better than our previous works, or one of the best we've done. When I get to a point where I am hearing so much self doubt in my head that means its time to stop on the project for the day. Tomorrow, with fresh eyes, I can look at it from a fresh perspective and without all the negativity. 

It's a bit silly too because I KNOW that many of the things that are being picked at I can fix! Some are just lessons learned for prepping that I can use for the next time. Others are just worries and nitpicking that I need to take with a grain of salt. That being said I utilized the NaMoPaiMo pastel experts asking how they did manes & tails. 

(You can see for yourselves that the advice went a long way!)

Mondays & Fridays are physical therapy for my shoulder & this session wiped me out! Thankfully, I was able to read & take the advice of our pastel experts (thank you all so much!) and base coated, in acrylic, the mane, tail & feathering. This has revealed that I have a long way to go on my points to get them dark enough, but that’s fine. We’ve got two weeks left in February yet. That being said, I did grab my colored pencils & did some simple shading to be softened with pastels next week.

(Stopping point for this week)

Till the next time.