2023 Studio Year in Review

2023 started off with a new website. I switched hosts and built a new site with WordPress. As with all websites, there is always more to do. Still, a year later, I am relatively pleased with the new site. I am now able to sell directly from the site, which has been convenient to sell the occasional pieces from my own collection. Look for more to come in 2024!

Model Horse University was launched this year, and I was happy to contribute in a small way as a sponsor. I am excited for exciting things to come!

In February, I attended Cocoa and Ponies, a local model horse swap meet. In addition to catching up with friends, I love the free table they've started! I always bring little somethings to give away and take away a few somethings. I also spend the downtime working on hair-by-hair white markings. As with most of my performance horses and props, this steer is probably still in progress, and only a small bit was actually accomplished at the swap meet, but Beefcakes is coming along. In catching up with my friend, Sarah, we had the grand idea to paint a cow each month to get our respective herds painted. That didn't happen, but at least one cow is further along, ha!

In May, I flew to Ireland to meet up with my daughter as she completed her semester study abroad. We had a quick week visiting Ireland, Milan, Lake Como, Barcelona, and Madrid. It wasn't a studio-related trip, but as always I took pictures of all things equine, art, and more to post here on the blog.

My creative time during the first half of the year was entirely spent working on Tootsers. I started her in January and made the conscious decision not to participate in NaMoPaiMo's International Model Horse Painting Month. I had some serious FoMo, but knew I needed to focus on my Best Customs Contest (BCC) project. I also had to fight the urge to sign up for several painting workshops from other artists! As tempting as it was, I knew I didn't have the time to spare.

In July, I attended BreyerFest for the 4th time. This included judging at the Resin Renaissance Live show, selling and shopping at the CHIN, showing at BreyerFest Live for the 1st time, learning how to carve leather, and enjoying all the horses, booths, and general merriment at the KY Horse Park. It concluded with the announcement of the BreyerFest Best Customs Contest winners on Saturday night (as I drove home on Sunday). What an amazing way to end the weekend by having Tootsers win the honor of Most Extreme Custom!

In August, I judged the novice division at Fun in The Sun. I love that our region has so many opportunities for novices to participate in the hobby. I really enjoy sharing what I've learned over the years with them.

Still on a high from BreyerFest, I also took new performance show photos and entered the Breyer photo show, Resin Futurity. Rhinestone Romeo won overall performance champion and Mind Your Biscuits was awarded reserve. In addition to Breyer sending rosettes and Premier Club models, I also received the above-pictured amazing prize package from generous donors. Just wow!

Rhinestone Romeo

Mind Your Biscuits

In September, I judged OF performance at the newest Breyer photo show, BreyerFest Online Open (fondly known as BOO). I have really enjoyed having so many opportunities to judge. It gives me a chance to enjoy the work of others. There is no end to the talent in this hobby. 

Amanda Reed, Sarah Hartman, and me

In October, I attended Briar Feast on Briar Patch with Robin and Shira Roberts at their home (who just so happen to live in the same town!). In addition to swooning over their collections, shopping, and eating, we played the best model horse card game. Word is not many copies of the game were made, which is such a shame. It was So Much Fun!

I made my first model horse-related Facebook Marketplace purchase this fall. I bought a Breyer truck and trailer complete with a plastic barn, models, and some play-quality tack. The models have already become fodder in the body box. I may someday get around to painting the truck and trailer. Anyone else remember a series on airbrushing a Breyer truck from Clint Voris way back when in a hobby magazine? Sometimes ideas take years to percolate. :) I am still on the hunt for an affordably priced barn! 

At some point this fall, I also organized the basement room that has become my studio storage and airbrushing space. This involved buying more totes with drawers, and yet I still can't find everything!

Also, sometime this fall, I slowly started construction on my next BCC piece. No teasers until after the deadline has passed. Let's just say this is the biggest project I've ever undertaken!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!