SM Andalusian

I've been going back and forth with paint and colored pencil on this, and slowly adding the hoof and eye details.

PAS

Yay! I got my studio back in order and was able to do a little work today after cleaning up from making truffles. This is an older picture of the PAS I'm working on, it's from a couple of weeks ago. I did a lot of dremelling to it to lean it out, and whittled down the legs because it will need to have slightly longer legs and the joints are in the wrong place now. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy a set of Kristina Lucas Francis's resin hooves to put on this.

Studio Closed for a Few Days

I have been working on some stuff but unfortunately haven't had a chance to take pictures of anything.

At this time of year I traditionally make hand-made chocolate truffles. It's a 3-4 day affair for me, as I create several flavors and make quite a bit. Day one is spent roasting and shelling nuts. Day two I chop the chocolate for the ganache centers (I buy my chocolate in big blocks, this is a boring and time-consuming part). Day three I make the ganache (and this year I'll be shaping the truffles on this day, too). Day four I dip the candies in tempered chocolate--a very messy and time-consuming process. The results are worth it, though -- everybody who tries these truffles loves them and it's so satisfying to hear that little "snap" of the chocolate when I take a bite and then feel the creamy goodness inside. I can never do anything simple; all my hobbies, including cooking, turn into elaborate productions.

Unfortunately, when I make these candies it takes time away from my studio work, and I have to use the table I use for painting and the table for taking photos, so my model horse production basically grinds to a halt. It's only for a few days, though, and then I'll be back at it painting away. I'm working on a commission and finishing up the SM Paso, so I look forward to getting back to that.

I will also be taking a couple of days off for Xmas while I make an elaborate dinner. Yes, if I couldn't be an artist I would probably be a cook :-) Have a happy holiday!

SM Andalusian

I've been working on this one quite a bit, although it doesn't really show. This was taken several days ago, I think I had dulled everything down with a coat of pastels. Still has quite a ways to go. Dapple grays take forever!

For Sale: SM G1 Quarter Horse Stallion

I think this was my first attempt at oils. I like the color that I came up with, but honestly I don't like painting with oils. I've mentioned this before. However, sometimes I think it's easier to get a certain color with oils than acrylics. I only mix small amounts of acrylic paint at a time, and it's difficult to duplicate the exact shade again, at least for me.

I think this was also one of my first attempts at customizing the mane.

SOLD