Custom Breyer Horse- Cherry Bay

This lovely guy now belongs to Kaitlyn in Michigan! Kaitlyn requested I paint a cherry bay with a snip and 4 white socks. His coloring was modeled after this horse. Enjoy!

His details include: Hoof striping, painted horseshoes, and 4 layers of shading in airbrushed acrylics. Want your own model? Please feel free to contact me!

If you want to know what goes into my customs, please read my previous blog post HERE
Models start at around $65!!

Red Roan Appaloosa Custom Breyer Horse

LOVE how this guy came out. I am not sure what his name is, but to me it looks like it should be "Wildfire" or something like that :-) He belongs to Julia in Georgia.

He is painted on the Mon Gamin Breyer model. His body was airbrushed in acrylic and all his details/spots are painted by hand. :-)

Here's a little horse painting secret- To get the vibrant red brown I use Liquitex Basics "Red Oxide".

I also painted horseshoes on this guy, he's such a stud! Well-- a gelding *wink*

Do you have a horse you would like turned into a custom model? Please email me for a price list at kcampbellartist@hotmail.com
Models start at $65

Meet Bling- Custom Breyer Foal

Bling is the offspring of Mystic and Chic (His grandfather is Smart Chic Olena). Isn't he handsome? I also had the pleasure of doing two models of his dad Chic, and a model of his mother Mystic to complete the custom breyer set. I loved painting this little foal!

Bling's mother, Mystic:

Bling's father, Chic:

To see what goes into my customs, please see my older blog post: http://ofnaturedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/10/latest-breyer-creation.html

Latest Breyer Creation

This lovely paint comes from Texas. I also wanted to take the time to discuss what goes into my creations.

1. Carving Process- I use a dremel tool to carve out the horses ears, hooves, and nostrils, but I have found numerous uses for this tool. It was a great investment and I suggest it for anyone going into the hobby.

2. Removing Seams- For large seams I use the dremel first, then take fine grade sandpapers to smooth out the logo and extra seam.

*Making the horse anatomically correct. I use an epoxy that is two parts that you have to mix together. This is nice because I only use what I need. I also can smooth it out with water and you can't even tell it wasn't apart of the original mold in the first place. "What epoxy do you use?" shhhh my secret!

3. Painting- Every hobbyist has different ways of painting their breyer. Some remove all previous paint and start with a clean slate. Some primer the model. I just paint over the existing paint with acrylics. I work sections at a time. I know some have used pastels over acrylics--
I have found that I am comfortable using acrylics so that's all I use. Sometimes I will mix pearl pigment into the paint to give the coat shine.

4. The Details- these are key to a realistic horse. I use a fine brush to add mane and tail hairs against skin. I make sure the eyes aren't just black, and the hooves have realistic striping and coloration.

5. Varnishing- I spray a layer of matte varnish first, allow to dry, then use a fixative over top of that. "Why fixative?" Because I've found it's a good balance between glossy and matte finish. Also, matte finish tends to leave a chalky white residue on dark horses.

6. Glossing- I find that glossed eyes really give the horse "life". I have used glass paint gloss, hodge podge, and even clear nail polish. I gloss the eyes, hooves, nostrils, and corners of the lips.

That's about it! I really enjoy doing custom horses and hope someday I can do many many more!! It's an expensive hobby to do right, but it is well worth it when you finish the piece. It also takes alot of time and practice. I have at least 3 not so great horses in my herd, but they are special because each one was a learning experience!!