Bluebird Studio

I have been a bit slack putting this one together..but better late then never! Saturday was Melbourne Live, the one and same show I started my journey into model horses at two years ago. This year I was back as a judge. As always the standard of entries was incredibly high, the competition stiff and the people fantastic. It has the atmosphere of a family reunion, lots of laughing and catching up on all the latest. I was judging Trad/Classic AR and OF, leaving Performance and Custom to Lisa Winkworth, as I knew there were a few horses that i had customised making their debuts onto the show scene. First up was Mildred. Mildred is a customised Valentine I sold unpainted. She was finished by Sherry Clayton in the most glorious glowing bay, her little rider is by Joan Yount, her custom made tack is by Jana Skybova, and her number holder and the gorgeous jump is by Carrie Sloan Meyer. Set up is by her talented owner Katrina Sterry.   Mildred won her class worki...

The big fulla is done, and up for sale! http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250908569916?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 I have chosen to list him on eBay, something different, and not sure if I am terribly comfortable with it just yet. Not that I have anything against eBay, I don't, I think it is a safe way to sell and buy, but the anticipation literally kills me, I am a nervous wreck till the last minute. Lots more photos on his Auction site. Painting finished ...back to sculpting, YAY!

... is not my favourite part of customising unfortunately. I love watching the horse come to life, I love the end result, I love scouring the Internet looking for the perfect colour, but when it actually comes to applying the pastels, procrastination becomes my greatest talent. This time however I am using Jaime Baker's DVD's to paint. I have learnt that in most ways, I was doing it sorta right, but those few extra tips and tricks from an experienced artist have really made a huge difference to my style and technique. I feel that I am in control of my pastels, but not micro managing them as I used to. I have been able to loosen up and look at the horse as a whole, not just a little section at a time. I am also looking at my reference photos with new eyes, they have made me think about what technique I can use to get a certain effect. But best of all, my motivation and confidence to paint and create a realistic end result has increased 100%. Bloody...

And I am in no way kidding, there is so much work on this fellow that he weighs in at 720gms. So very close to being finished, in these pics all he is lacking are his eyelashes and veins. When he is done, he will be painted a warm soft dapple grey suitable to his age. With his stallion bulk and the movement of dressage he is performing, I am thinking he is about 10 to 12 years old. Silly begger got sick of waiting for me to edit his photos, so laid down and had a roll, lol. he really does have a face only a mother could love. And a reminder of where he began .... Photo credit to Melissa Williams, Identify my Breyer

I am having trouble putting him down :) When I am this caught up in a sculpt I have to be careful not to burn out, or oversee things in my enthusiasm. I shall be seeking lots of critique from my peers on this fellow, as he is sure to be my most difficult sculpt yet, and I want him to be just right.

An attack of itchy fingers has seen the beginnings of some pony make overs. These two are both classic scale Marigold CM's. They will be Australian Riding Pony/Welsh B ponies in full show turn out. Both will be up for grabs, but one of them will be a 100% donation to Down Under Nationals. At this stage we are thinking raffle :) so message me if you are interested in either, and I will pass on the pertinent info. This one has not had as muck work, she is still in the squish around phase. But rest assured she will lose the stiff zombie look :) I have even managed some progress on this big fulla.

O bsessive C ompulsive D remeling.