NaMoPaiMo Prep: Part IV

There has been a lot going on these past couple weeks with Equine Empowerment Inc's open house as well as my Year of the Pig Project items going up for sale  I've been kept pretty busy!

Progress has been slow on my Kirin as I wait for separate Apoxie parts to dry. I have gotten the hooves to appear cloven, and the antlers are currently drying. All the needs to happen is attachment of the antlers and then final rounds of sanding & priming.

In the meantime, I worked on four horses this month with several others in their prep phases too. I am not the type to let paint dry, nor am I (typically) the type to get up and walk away from my designated studio space once I'm in it. Instead, I work on multiple projects at a time. Originally, I tried to work on multiples of the same color, but with the addition of a palette with a lid to my tools, I am able to work on multiple, different color projects without issue.

Prime example are the three Maggie Bennett micro minis I finished this month. It should be noted that they have similar colors used for shading (mostly) between purples, blues and greens, but base colors and some shading were done differently (Flaxen chestnut Arabian has yellows, reds and oranges; black Belgian was done with purples and greens and gra Fjord was done with silver and a cooler grey-not as much color experimentation on him).

(Maggie Bennett's Jessie to black Belgian-no shoes)

(Maggie Bennett's Bangles to flaxen chestnut Arabian)

(Maggie Bennett's Viking to gra Fjord)

There was one straggler from last year who was completed this month, and that was a clear ware SM that I started at a Christmas get together and only just finished. Rather than one layer of each color, this little guy has two layers that added a nice depth to his color compared to the single layer that, I believe, Breyer intends you to do with these little guys. I hope to get my own set sometime in the future as they are fun even if the paint is slow to dry. 

(Fun little sun catcher SM from Breyer's set dubbed Calcifer after the character from Howl's Moving Castle)

I intend to have all my prep work done BEFORE February this time, and I see that I'm starting to run out of time, so wish me luck!

Till the next time!

NaMoPaiMo Prep: Part III

I did not intend to work on this horse as much as I did today. My initial plan was to just do THE SCALES! Then I kept having a little bit of Apoxie left, and then I realized that I could just get so much done, and just...wow!

(Seriously...did not intend on getting this all done in one fell swoop!)

But I got ahead of myself. Earlier in the day, I had been working on painting my Year of the Pig magnets/medallions. Due to being an impatient person, I usually paint several projects at once, so I also had four Maggie Bennett micro minis on the table (I fell behind on keeping up with painting them). When I did finally stop for the day, I was already tired, but in a good way. Knowing NaMoPaiMo is fast approaching, I wanted to put in a bit of work on my model, and you already read what happened!

(The main project right now-Year of the Pig Sculpey magnets/medallions)

We'll preface the actual sculpting a bit more here. If you're new here, you may not know that I have sculpted and worked with clay before. It is not a media I'm unfamiliar with. I AM still learning how to use it on model horses (wires are still strange to me as that is one technique I did not explore while in high school or college-shame on me!) So I've had varying success with clay on models, particularly in the wing department. (Hence my original model idea being a pegasus-darn shoulder!) You can view these models below. WARNING: more pictures than I realized! View at your own discretion.

First those with wings:

(I did not sculpt these wings-just to be clear! I took them off a Safari dragon.)

(This one I did all the sculpting)

(This is the oldest one I have-in regards to wings, this was in 2017.)

And those that just had clay additions:

(A more recent use of clay on a model)

(One of my favorites)

(It should be mentioned that this one has Apoxie Paste in use, something I don't have for my NaMo model)

(You can tell I'm a stranger to fantasy, right?)

(Another of my favorites)

With the background out of the way, let's dive into the process now!

With my original NaMo model, I did not need to sketch out what I wanted. I knew exactly how I wanted the model and wings too look. Usually, this is how I work. Every now and then, I do need to sketch out my idea(s) though, especially in this instance as my intent is to create a Kirin. 

Kirin are the Japanse version of Qilin, which is Chinese. Both are mythical, hooved chimeras. I have worded the description this way due to the many ways in which a Qilin/Kirin is described. Qilin, specifically, tend to have attributes of the Chinese dragon, as well as partially scaled bodies, beards, thick manes, cloven hooves and are often shaped like oxen, deer or horses. It is believed that giraffes, yes giraffes, were thought to be Qilin. There are other attributes that are commonly seen like antlers (attribute of the Chinese dragon), a single horn (Western modernization of the creature), tufts of thick fur, feathering on the legs, catfish like whiskers, even fins! If you want a fun fantasy creature to try for your first time that's outside the realm of unicorns and pegasus, this is a great one! There isn't a wrong interpretation of this creature! Just look at game art, or even just art in general if you need inspiration. This is a great mythological creature, lore and all!

(Sketch of my model with Kirin features)

With research and then the sketch out of the way, as well as the initial sanding of last time, it was time to start adding those Kirin features. With Apoxie and some tools, the fun began! 

Once again, I originally only planned on doing the scales of the Kirin this evening, but as I kept going and kept having "just a bit" of Apoxie left over from each task, I soon had 95% of my Kirin features added this evening. 

To achieve the scale pattern, I used excess filter netting from my Goldfish's filter parts (unused) and pressed that into the clay once I had laid down where I wanted my scales to be.

(Tools used this evening)

With my scale pattern in, it soon became clear that I would need to do a new mane; as the scales were a bit thicker than I'd initially intended (plus you can only roll clay so thin and stretch it so far). Again, I did not plan on doing that tonight either. What I did decide to do with my "little bit" of Apoxie left was add the beard and feathering on the legs. Midway through this process I needed to make more Apoxie (can you see the vicious cycle that started?)

Once finished with the feathering and beard, I still had a bit of Apoxie left, so I started work on the tail as it needed thickening as well as a "lion" like tail added. You can see in the image below that it was SUPER thin. And of course, once the tail was done (more Apoxie made too) I still had some left from the newest batch...onto the mane I went!

As I didn't go into the process of how I got the scales on before, and as it's the same I used for the mane, I rolled out the Apoxie with a rolling pin until it was as thin as I could get it (and still lift if off the table) and lay it across the body, cutting it to size with my shaping tool (which ironically, cuts really well). From there I used the needle tool to add texture to the mane. 

With still more left Apoxie left, I moved on to the scutes in my sketch, adding those to the legs like I originally planned. Once these were in place, I decided that some needed to be added to the belly, neck and chest, but not all connected like you'd traditionally see. I want my Kirin to be a bit different after all!

I did leave space on the head to add the antlers later on as by this point, I was worn out. Even though I still had a little bit of Apoxie, I set it aside for the another day...but only after I changed this mare to a stallion!

So here HE is so far!

Still got a ways to go in this prepping process but I've still got time! January's not over yet!

Till the next time!

NaMoPaiMo Prep: Part II

With a model chosen, now we move on to one of my least favorite things...prepping. For those who read this and are maybe not super involved in the customizing part of the model horse hobby, or perhaps, only customize as a form of fun/casually. Prepping is a huge part of customizing a model.

Assuming that you have not done any drastic customizing (moving legs, head, tail, removing head, legs, tail, etc.) you start with sanding. Models, particularly mass produced ones like Hartland, Schleich, CollectA, and Breyer sometimes leave the factories less than perfect. This mare was no exception. She had some glaring seams that I did not want to remain on the model. Seams on her face, chest, front and backs of all four legs, belly and hindquarters were removed.

(When viewed from the sides, seams are not as obvious)

(When viewed from the front, or in this case, behind seams on the hindquarters and legs are visible)

As for the sanding process itself, I highly recommend wearing a mask, as you really don't want to be inhaling particles of plastic. Tool wise, you can use regular sanding paper, but I've found that a sanding block and files are far more helpful in getting into tough areas. Also, a makeup brush, or some form of soft brush to remove the particles off the model. You should not be able to feel the seam(s) any longer when you run your hand or finger along the model. 

(The tools I used to sand my mare, all but one of my files was used as well as the sanding block & makeup brush)

Many people will also sand off the logo of the company that made the model to help make the models look more realistic. After all, real horses aren't stamped with logos (brands are a different thing). 

Once finished sanding, make sure you give the model one more good dusting with your makeup brush or soft brush. You can see all the sanding I did on my model in the pictures below. 

Now you're either ready to paint, or in my case, ready to move on to the next phase...

Adding Apoxie features!

Till the next time!

NaMoPaiMo Prep: Part I

With the new year comes one of the model horse hobbies big events: NaMoPaiMo or National Model (Horse) Painting Month. NaMoPaiMo starts on February 1st and goes to the end of the month. Registration is open now & will remain open till the 31st. Painters choose a model to paint during Feb. and the goal is to do something different or new.

 In the past two years I’ve tried new techniques while also painting different scales of models. This year I’m on Classic or 1:12 scale. Originally, my plan was to use the Breyer Bucking Bronco mold & turn him into a dappled blue pegasus with hand sculpted wings. Alas, I tore the ligaments in my left shoulder & twisting wire to create a sturdy support for the wings is out of the question. Luckily, like many hobbyists, I have a “body” box; so I was not lacking in choices for a new model to paint.

Wanting to stick with my chosen fantasy theme I grabbed a 1:12 scale Hartland Morgan mare who will be turned into a Kirin (possibly a stallion). The model has some seams that need to be sanded as well as needing the Kirin features added. Overall, it’s easier to get ready than my other choice.

So prepping will be going on as I finish the pig magnets/medallions to put up for sale witv the rest of the Year of the Pig pieces.

Till the next time!

Time for Goals/Resolutions

As 2019 comes to an end, many people are looking to 2020 and what it has in store for them. I'm also one of those people.

Every year, I create goals for myself in my hobbies, work, and just life overall. Of course, this blog is dedicated to my hobbies/art so that's what we'll focus on.

Of course, when one makes a goal it's important to keep certain key things in mind to help you achieve said goals. First, make sure your goals are time specific/have a deadline. Most goals/new year resolutions are goals meant to take a year's time. Next, be specific. Generic goals like "I will make art" are all well and good, but if you don't specify WHAT you will do, you are more than likely going to give up on the goal, forget it, or not feel like you accomplished EXACTLY what you wanted. Finally, and most importantly, make sure your goals/resolutions are ACHIEVABLE. We'll use the typical resolution of "I will lose weight".

In this example, we will start with the resolution/goal "I will lose weight". The reason that this goal is typically not achieved is because it's vague, it's not personal to the person. Many New Year's resolutions/goals are like this, not just this one. Using what I stated above, let's make this more achievable: We already have a deadline of one year, so now let's get more specific with this goal as well as making it achievable "I will lose 20 lbs." Now the goal has a specific number and, based on science, is more than achievable (recommended healthy weight loss is 1-2 lbs/week & with roughly 52 weeks in a year a total of approximately 104 lbs can be lost/year). Now, not only is this goal achievable, but there is a strong likelihood that the goal will be surpassed.

Not convinced? Let's look at a another commonly broken resolution goal "I will travel to new places". While not necessarily a hard goal, the problem is in its generic wording. A new place can be, literally, ANYWHERE. Let's look at several variations of this goal (remember to add "by year's end" to the goals):

I will travel to 5 new states.
I will travel to a European country (get more specific and NAME that European country)
I will visit ten new towns.
I will visit three new parks.
I will visit two new shopping malls.

Even these above goals are still semi-generic, but can you start to see why it pays to be specific in your goals?

So with that, let's look at my own goals for 2020. As well as some insight into WHY these goals are achievable for ME.

2020 Goals
-Paint 50 model horses
I painted 42 models last year, so this is in an achievable realm while pushing myself to be a bit more on task.

-Participate in Inktober using the Inktober prompts
I already participated in Inktober this year using my own theme, and I do have two ink wells yet.

-Create/cast 12 medallion/magnet molds
One small, flat clay work a month.

-Paint 1 Oil Painting
I just bought some oil paints to try, I enjoy watching Bob Ross tutorials, no excuse here why I can't do one.

-Paint 1 LARGE canvas (biggest I can find/afford)
So please note how specific I got with this specific goal. While I do have a fairly large canvas residing in my studio that needs paint, I actually want to go bigger. However, if I can't find/afford a bigger canvas, I have this back up. Like many of these, there is no reason I can't complete this goal.

Are you the type of person that likes to set goals for yourself? Are you looking to try making some resolutions this year? Please share (if you're comfortable doing so), and I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Till the next time!

Year of the Pig Project

12 months

12 pig artworks

1 great cause

~~~

(January-Spotted Piglet-Charcoal Pencils)

I started this project to honor my friend and mentor Bruce Howdle; who passed away, suddenly, last year. I was fortunate to be one of the students that Bruce taught in his time teaching at UW-Platteville, and while it may sound sappy, it was a dream come true to study under Bruce, as I have been an admirer of his work since I first saw it while taking an art class field trip to Mineral Point, WI and his studio, while in high school. I have many fond memories of Clay Club, working as Bruce's work study student, taking his classes, and getting to chat with him whenever I was in the area.

(February-Poland China Boar-Colored Pencils)

While perhaps better known for his large scale clay murals, many of which can be seen in Wisconsin, and others around the country; he was also known for his unique thrown pig sculptures. This started as a means to come to terms with the loss of Bruce. It was not easy to come to terms with the idea that I would no longer be able to stop in and see him to chat, catch up, and ask for advice. This year is the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. So I thought it was fitting to do a pig artwork each month. On top of that, each piece would be done in a different medium. Clay, of course, would be one of those.

(March-Pot Bellied Pig-India Ink)

As I started to work on these pieces, I wanted to do something more to, not only remember Bruce, but to honor his memory too. It was then, that I decided that all the art pieces created for Year of the Pig would be sold and the proceeds donated to charity. It took me quite some time to decide where the proceeds would go but I finally settled on one.

(April-Oxford Sandy & Black-Watercolor)

All of these artworks that you see in this blog post (plus 12 painted medallion/magnets) will go up for auction on eBay early January. All of these artworks, except the acrylic Hereford, as that's stretched canvas, will be sold in frames. Proceeds from the sales of these pieces will be donated to Americans for the Arts-a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the arts/art education in schools. Of all the charities I looked at, this one felt like the best fit. After all, Bruce spent much of his time teaching students/people about the arts. An organization whose goal is to keep the arts in schools across the country is fantastic!

(May-Duroc Piglet-Oil Pastels)

This has been a year long endeavor, obviously. There have been some really high points and some really low points. There were months where I struggled to find time to even sit down to sketch the piece much less get one finished, and yet I did just that. I have built up my confidence as an artist, and while I am still working to build up clientele, there is not much that I feel I can't accomplish. That being said, this project isn't done yet, and I cannot finish it, entirely, alone.

(June-Landrace Pig-Pastels)

I am currently finishing up December's pig-which is actually 12 magnets/medallions (I hesitate to call them true medallions as they are made from Sculpey Clay rather than a resin or true clay). They are a smiling pig AND pony. Each one will be painted differently so no two will be the same AND I am ONLY PRODUCING THE TWELVE. That's it! No more will be produced after this. Twelve. Done.

(July-Hereford Pig-Acrylic Paints)

As I said, I cannot finish this project alone, and the reality is that while I produced the art pieces, I did not do this entirely alone either. First, I must thank several people who have supported me throughout this project, knowingly or unknowingly.

(August-Yorkshire Pig-Scratchboard)

First and foremost, big thank you to my mother, Carol, for her support and for being there when I was ready to throw some of these pieces out the window.

(September-Whimsical Pig-Pens)

Then there are my equine mentors-Crimson & Brandi. Thank you for taking a chance on me and letting me start to build clientele for my riding lessons and getting to assist you all for your fun days, game days and camps. You've allowed me to follow my passion and I cannot thank you enough. There are days I really don't know what I would have done if I hadn't been able to go to the barn to remember that there is something more & better than the my, sometimes soul-killing day to day job. Also, I need to thank you for keeping me inspired through your dedicated efforts in starting your own non-profit, Equine Empowerment Inc., and for letting me contribute in the ways I can to that effort. 

(October-Flying Pig-Highlighters)

Next, I need to thank several of my friends: Toni, for just being the person who listened to my rants on other topics. You allowed me to clear my mind of irritations, made me laugh, and got me back on track (though I don't think you even knew I was working on this...?) so that I had a clear head when I was working. Katerina, Stacy, Jamie and Chef Jeff (sorry couldn't resist) you were there in Clay Club, we all lost our mentor and friend, and we always manage to schedule weekends to see each other a couple times a year, I love the times we get together. I really want to say thank you to you all for not laughing or dismissing this idea. You supported it and gave me confidence to keep at it (some knowingly, some not!)

(November-Wild Boar-Alcohol Inks)

Of course, I cannot forget to thank Shannon of Shamrock Farms Inc. Without your support and contributions/loans of medium and time, some of these pieces definitely would not have been possible (thank you for the scratchboard). You went above and beyond the call of duty as a friend! I think we reached a point where I need to paint you all the models you want for the time you put in to this project!

(December WIP-"Smiles" Pony & Pig Magnets/Medallions)

Lastly, I wanted to thank Joelle & Katie for making sure that Bruce Howdle Studio would not remain empty. With a fitting name change to The Globe Clay Center, you both bring your own, wonderful flare to the studio while honoring the studio's past. I apologize for not being able to stop in yet, but I have greatly enjoyed seeing your works through Facebook & Instagram! I hope to stop by in the near future, as it's been too long since I've been to the studio!

(One of the beautiful pieces produced from The Globe Clay Center-from their website-link above!)

With the thank yous out of the way, now we come to where YOU, the reader, come in. As I stated already, I cannot finish this project alone. I need YOUR help. If you are a pig lover, know someone who loves pigs, or just want to help spread the word-please share that these pieces are going to be up for sale early January. Thank you!

(The much loved, Bruce Howdle pig sculpture in our household-Gerti.)

Till the next time!

Time For Reflections

Happy Holidays from Spyryt Fyre Studios!

For some reason I had imagined this holiday season as a bit less stressful. While I didn't get everything I wanted done from my last blog post, I did complete my commission pieces (of course), and I've been working on getting the last pieces to my Year of the Pig project complete (will be either the next post or the one after). I am also working on getting an artwork ready for a silent auction to
help support Equine Empowerment Inc. (see the picture below).

(One of the two commissions completed)

Speaking of Equine Empowerment Inc. starting next year, I will be making artworks bi-monthly where 100% of the proceeds will go to the non-profit to help fund their programs. Also, starting in the new year, 20% on any equine-related/themed commissions/artworks will also be donated to the programs of Equine Empowerment Inc. Please, look them up on Facebook, especially if you live in the Midwest!

(Equine Empowerment Inc. poster.)

The Spirit of Giving has been strong this year, but in the month of December, it always flourishes. I was fortunate to be able to participate in two Secret Santas this year. The idea that strangers/acquaintances do their best to find gifts for each other never ceases to awe me-especially with how much thought and care is dedicated to the task. There are still some gifts that need to be passed out in January (and possibly even later-depending on when I see people).

(Model Horse Blab Secret Santa gifts)

With the end of the year in sight, I find myself looking back on it, and while there were some definite downs, I must see this has been the best year I've had in a long time. My creativity has returned, I am producing art again, I am blessed in knowing some amazing people who have allowed me to pursue the opportunities I thought were far from my reach and who push me to better myself without making me feel inferior and I am privileged to be going into the new year with all of these people and things.
We've got at least one more blog post before the new year rings in though!

Til the next time!