~Keep It Clean~

~Studio Tip~ Before you get started on the hooves lay down a section of 'clear wrap' it sticks to most surfaces & does not easily bunch up while working. That gives you 2 free hands & less handling the sculpt. Most of all a quick clean work table ;)

custom sculpt model horse is 'Eli' for quick referencing. Thank you for peeking ;p

~A Leg Up~

Just a quick photo of Little Lone Star's detailed hind leg. Approximate size is length of leg is equal to width of a quarter (1")long x diameter of leg is less than 1/8".

Many super thinned down layers of white varieations were applied for a realistic look.

Behind the Scenes

The Little Lone Star (aka; Between Guy) went as planned with added base color to the eyes, some ear edging, and the white marking to give him character. Went with the leg marking pattern from our real horse.  The markings are not flat bright white, there is contrasting variations of white along with mapping.
Like I said this all went according to plan, EXCEPT you think I could get a good photo ~nope!  So instead I will share a behind the scenes look.

~Rainy Day Studio Tip~

Beautiful Fall Rainy Days* always but me in the mood to doodle or write, so thought this would be a good time to share a Studio Tip*.

When preparing your pastel chaulk for use, shave with sharp blade in an upward motion (arrow) so you get finer shavings and less lumps. This direction also naturally helps you from pushing or digging into your chaulk

~Final Prep~

 

*Studio Tip*

 

Before & in between priming I use an older but not ratty pillow case. The material is less likely to leave behind unwanted fibers. This is a light way of removing any remaining sanding particles or rough spots from primer by gently rubbing. Some Artsy folks use socks or dish linen.

Recommend using gloves so you do not leave oil residue left by your fingers, it will effect the paint work.

 

 

Resin cast is by Debbi Lermond sold out edition Working For Chex.

*Cold Temperature Painting*

When the weather starts to change to colder temperatures it can make fun painting just a little more challenging.  To avoid sticky spray or frosting from your fixatives or primers a quick easy method such as follows.

warm can to recommended temperature by surrounding with warm tap water. Fill under half the depth of the can.

keep shaken between use. If the can gets to warm simply remove for a time.  Quick & Easy.

I also keep a dummy model around, just to make sure there is not a problem before spraying the real deal.

~Blue Dapples Today~

Little Lone Star (aka, Between Guy) shown in progress to the almost midway point.

 

    Top photo he received some depth by adding blue dapples.

 

 

  Second photo he was coated with bright orange & red brown dapples slightly started to show through.

 

 

He started with 2 light coats of wheat color powder pastels (bottom photo).