The Breyer SpotLight: Your Horse Model Market Resource

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  • Breaking News: Social Networking and Facebook
  • Updates: Create Your own Collector Page
  • Article: Pastels Part III

Breaking News: Social Networking and Facebook

Have you ever heard the phrase “nothing stays the same”? Well that applies to the internet as well as life and websites too. For the past year or so I have been working on becoming familiar with “social networking” and what it's all about. What have I learned so far?? The most “user friendly” site is Facebook.


And I can tell you first hand - Facebook is a wonderful tool to use first in building relationships and second for websites to become “known”. The number of people using Facebook each day is growing by leaps and bounds and the people you can connect with that have the same goals is simply amazing! The one report I've ready stated there were over 4 million people and businesses using Facebook each day! Wow We have to pay attention to those kinds of numbers!


I am so excited to tell you, Breyer Horse Collectors is adding this great tool to our format too! We are currently working on setting up a “Fan Page” for our site. You can find it by typing “Breyer Horse Collectors” into the Facebook search area or by the link below

Breyer Horse Collector Fan Page

And while you are there, click on the "Like" button!


This page will take some time for us to build and create of course, but we welcome you to join on as we grow! Offer your thoughts, idea's or suggestions and pass the word, that is what makes it “social networking” and what makes it work.


Updates: Create your own Collector Web Page

In the last Breyer SpotLight we talked about some changes with the Featured Collector pages. We have opened this up for you to be able to build your own page and feature your own models here:

Breyer Collectors Corner

Make sure you read through the guide lines and then have fun creating your own web page! It really is easy to do.


Choosing Mediums - Pastels Part III

On all of my models I apply the lightest pastel color first and work out to the darker shades. This gives your model the highlighted areas where you want them and provides the areas you want to be pangare (light golden color seen on some bays and chestnuts) in color. It is by far easier to put dark color over light than the reverse. Always apply your layers lightly; if you go too quickly your model will end up with a gritty appearance. Slow and steady using this medium is the key. During your work, periodically check your reference picture(s) to make sure your model is accurate in color.


For the large body portions of the model I use eye shadow applicators. Always pay close attention to your applicator during use, the repeated rubbing of the applicator against the model, especially in the case of resins, wears the sponge down. Using a rough applicator will cause lines and potential scratch marks in your work. For areas that are near the mane, tail and forelock a brush is the best tool to use.


Hold your model by the leg(s) when you start the application. I do my legs last so it is a good area to hold when putting the pastel over the rest of your model. Press your applicator into the pastel chalk, tap it lightly with your finger and begin applying it to the model with moderate pressure. I apply mine using a small circular motion because it helps blends the pastel together and you don't develop as many distinguished overlap markings. If your pastel is too dark in an area, use the blush brush and lightly brush over the area to remove some of the medium.


Once you have the first layer of pastel on your model blow of the excess dust paying close attention to the nooks and crannies where it accumulates. If you have particles that simply won't blow off the model use the blush brush and lightly sweep them away. Apply another even coat of Fixative spray to your model and allow it to dry; this seals the pastel applied to your model. Once the Fixative is dried, lightly spray again with the Dull Cote to provide tooth for the next layer; always MAKE SURE your model is dry before you start your next layer of pastel. (All spraying in this manner will be done between your pastel layers.)


Ending this section of the article, if you are looking for pastels - whether in a set or individual sticks - Dick Blick Art Supply sells really nice pastels, and are great to deal with. See you next time!


Great information Elaine - thank you!


And here is a thought for our readers; the new set up for the “Featured Collectors” page would be perfect for you to showcase your own customized model… hmmm. I like that idea - how about you?


Until next time: Keep Imagining and enjoy your collecting!


Breyer Horse Collectors