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| (Back to front-2020, 2019 & 2018 NaMoPaiMo models) |
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.
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.
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!
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| (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.
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| (Front-Triglyceride & Adipose. Back-Rory the Goldfish) |
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!
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| (Before customization) |
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| (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!
