Ponypainter Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Dying to know anything in particular that isn't listed, and your soul will burn with unanswered questions, rendering you unable to rest until you find out?
Email me! ponypainterstudio@gmail.com
Here are some questions I get often, and the answers you crave!
FAQ's
Q: I would like to have you paint my horse, so when can I mail it to you?
A: I am not taking commissions at this time, but I do thank everyone for their interest in my work. I might be taking some medallion and mini commissions in the future, and my group will get first dibs on slots. I have a Yahoo group that you can join to keep up with the latest buzz and sales pieces, and this is the best way to know what's up. Click here to sign up!
Q: How do you paint your horses?
A: I paint mainly in oils, which are very luminous and build up a radiant color over many thin glazes of paint. I also use powdered pigments, colored pencil, and acrylics for detailing. I prefer to use paint whenever possible, to avoid the potential for a "grainy" look with pencil and pastel, and harmonize with the overall workmanship. One note is that my methods with oil paints will not produce a perfectly smooth surface comparable to airbrushing or pastels. There may be a very small amount of texture from the brushwork- if you are REALLY picky about this, then I suggest another artist that works with airbrush or pastel. Real horses don't have coats like glazed china, and I think it's cool that my paintwork reflects that.
Q: So how does that work for turnaround time?
A: The highly personalized painting process for each horse takes time. A really long time. Countless hours go into each paintjob for color research, mixing paint, and the actual painting itself. Unforunately, the longest aspect of using oil paints is the long dry time. It can take weeks for a single layer to dry fully before I can work on the horse again. If I try to paint before the paint is dry, it can "melt" or dissolve a hole, ending up with a bare patch down to the naked resin or plastic. This causes major issues, as you can imagine, and I try to avoid this heartbreaking problem as much as humanly possible. Currently, I take about a year to complete a traditional-scale paintjob with a complicated color- this includes dilutes, dapples, and any patterns. If you feel that the wait has been too long you would like your piece back, please contact me at any time and we will work things outon an individual basis. Most likely, horse stripped and sent back nekkid. I will not send out unfinished work to be completed by another artist. Sorry!
Q: So how much time do you spend painting then, if you're so gosh darn slow?
A: I work full-time in addition to painting and have an extremely long commute, which means that I can't paint in the evenings on workdays. I paint for the joy it gives me, which I hope is apparent in my work, but sometimes I do need a break from the fumes, hehe!
Q: So what am I paying you for anyways?
A: For me to combine paint and horse, carefully smushing the two together with the help of a brush! In addition to my labor, there are some "hidden" costs to keep in mind. Oil paints and other quality mediums are expensive. I also use many paintbrushes (ranging $6-30 each), and usually a few become "martyrs" per horse. You are also helping with other miscellaneous supplies: special lighting and the electricity running so many watts, time spent emailing, photography, website work, reference books, research and training, and all the little things that you wouldn't think to be associated with just painting a model horse.
Q: I check your site all the time while I'm surfing around, and it seems like you never have anything for sale. Get off your bum and paint, will ya?
A: Well, I prioritize commissions before my own horses to sell, and I'm always technically on my bum to paint anyways. This mean super slow (SUPER slow!) painting of my own horses, and resultingly rare sales offerings. It's difficult to balance the two, but I do my best. I am finishing the rest of my commissions that are in-house and will do a few sales pieces afterwards. Minis and medallions are easier for me to put a few minutes into now and again, so that is what I will have for sale other than what I already have started on the progress page.
Q: So would it speed things up if you took only a few horses?
A: A bit. I have to spread those limited hours I set aside for painting over many horses, but really, it's the drying time that's the killer. I spend a long time per horse, which shows you that I care about each piece, and labor to make it an individual that you can be proud of and (hopefully) be impressed with! Ever get a horse that looked great in pics, only to be sorely disappointed when you open the box? I strive never to have that happen! So far, so good!
Q: Do you ever update your website? Is an update a sign of the apocolypse? ;)
A: Maybe.... Seriously, I try to keep things fairly updated, but do fall behind on the "paper trail" which includes my site. Taking, editing, and then uploading photos takes precious time that might be spent painting instead.
Q: I love that sales resin you're working on, can I somehow convince you for "dibs" on that one?
A: This is something I'm trying to get away from for a while. I need some pieces that I'm totally free to do whatever with! I sincerely thank you for your interest, and the piece will be available...eventually! Keep your eyes peeled for messages on my Yahoo group.
Q: The Golden Question! What the heck are your prices?
A: I am not taking commissions at this time, and each future commission would need a custom price quote generated.
