All About Coat Colors in Model Horses!
Hello everyone! Today, we’re talking all about model horse coat colors, how realistic they are, how I choose what coat colors to give my model horse customs, how to get these realistic results while customizing, and covering a bit about decorators. Let’s get started!
First off I want to give a shout out to model horse artists all around the world who create realistic horse coats using so many techniques! Most commonly we see methods like pastels, airbrushing, and acrylics being used, but people have achieved amazing results using techniques like oils, a variety of pencils, etching, and so much more!
Realism. Most model horse artists and collectors strive to have pieces with realistic coat colors, replicating reality as closely as possible. And that is also an important factor when it comes to the price of these pieces. High workmanship and realism = high value. However, there is a whole realm of fantasy and decorator (more on them below) model horse artists and collectors that are all looking for those eccentric pieces!
How I choose coat colors. When I start a new model horse custom, I always take some time to decide on a coat color first! I like having my coat colors as true to reference as possible. If I’m aiming to create a specific breed I will first search for coat colors that horse breed comes in. If I’m not narrowed down by breed selection, I try to choose coats that I haven’t worked on in a while and that complement the model’s pose or vibe. I like challenging myself and working on a variety of colors, that is why I never batch paint. After making my selection I like to plan a bit ahead and think of how I will lay the pastel layers. That ensures I have a rough idea of how to begin, and I’m not immediately stuck when I start working.
Achieving realistic coats. The nr. 1 most helpful thing I’ve found when working with pastels is to break down the coat color genetically. All horse coat colors derive from the three main ones, so tracking them is generally easy. If at any point of the pastel process I’m not sure of the shade, or don’t know what to add to get a better tone or better match in pigment, I can break it down genetically and find out what I need to change. For example, a buckskin horse coat color is actually a bay with one cream dilution gene. So if I were to struggle mixing pastels for a buckskin, chances are it’s most likely missing its bay undertones.
Decorators. Decorators is a term that refers to model horses that have a bright, colorful, metallic, fantasy, or geometric coat color rather than a traditional, realistic one. (Note: not all fantasy models are decorators. Some fantasy models are extremely realistic and focus on their likeness to mythological or fairytale creatures, in a highly realistic style.) The term originated when Breyer released their first line of decorators. Some examples of coat that are commonly classed as decorators would be any metallic colors with pinto patterns or horses with bows, ribbons, or carnival outfits.
I hope you enjoyed reading and learning more about model horse coat colors! As always, make sure to check out my YouTube channel where I post frequent video content! https://www.youtube.com/@naturefoxes_IrinaS
If you are interested in contacting me, feel free to do so by emailing me at contact@naturefoxes.com
Custom Schleich model horse to Bay Leopard Appaloosa OOAK model horse custom
READ CAREFULLY!
This Schleich model horse has been completely hand-customized by myself to have a bay leopard appaloosa coat color. He is a completely original and one of a kind (OOAK) model horse. After going through the prepping stage, it was customized using acrylic paint and pastels, and was then sealed with matte varnish spray. The eyes, hooves, corners of the mouth, nostrils, and muzzle details of the horse have been glossed. The model has very detailed muzzle, eyes, and ears. My signature is painted on the belly of the horse (refer to picture). The horse is in 1:24 scale, the standard scale of Schleich horses. If you are unsure of what scales are, check out my blog post where I give an overview of model horse scales: https://naturefoxes.com/blog/explaining-model-horse-scales-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work-diagram-included
This model horse was painted with extreme care and detail however minor flaws may occur and show quality is not guaranteed.
All models come with their certificate of authenticity stating they are a one of a kind custom by me, Irina Stanculete.
Shipping - DHL Express Shipping
CARE INSTRUCTIONS + DISCLAIMER:
Handle with care! This is a collector's item and was not intended for rough play. The model can be rinsed in water but it is NOT 100% waterproof and should not be left in water for long periods of time. Do not leave the model in extreme heat or cold.
