Here is a very basic step by step guide to show some of what is involved in creating a custom model horse. There are many hours put into each horse to make it unique and realistic. The photos below will provide only a basic introduction, there is a lot of time and patience involved! |
In this guide, I am using a Peter Stone
Palouse Mold. This is the Before Photo.
Make sure to sand all the seam lines off, fill in
or sand off the company logo, and fill any pits,
bumps, or scratches in the model body.
Palouse Mold. This is the Before Photo.
Make sure to sand all the seam lines off, fill in
or sand off the company logo, and fill any pits,
bumps, or scratches in the model body.
| Carve out the ears with the dremel tool and a teardrop shaped bit after sanding the model's seam lines off. This is how the ears should look when you have finished carving them out, this gives the horse a more realistic and delicate appearance. |
Now I have the mane, tail, and neck muscles all done. I have also added stud parts and finish sanded all the rough
areas of clay. Now is the time to make sure everything is smooth and you have sculpted all the parts you want added
before primering the piece.
areas of clay. Now is the time to make sure everything is smooth and you have sculpted all the parts you want added
before primering the piece.
| ...And here you see the finished horse after a few coats of primer! He was painted in oils and detailed in acrylics. You can see more of his photos on the "Portrait Models" Page. Please Email me if you have any Questions, I'm always happy to help! Lora Speiser |
:: How It's Done ::
Customizing
Supplies Needed
Model Horse
Coping Saw
Dremel Tool
with diamond tip bits
Copper Wire
about 12 gauge
Epoxy Clay
Gapoxio or Apoxie Sculpt
Aluminum Foil
Sculpting Tools
Heat Gun
Lots of Sand Paper
Course, Med, and Fine
Water or Solvent
For Smoothing Clay
Old Lint Free Rags
Primer
I Prefer White, Most People
use Grey or Brown
Lots Of Patience!!!
Model Horse
Coping Saw
Dremel Tool
with diamond tip bits
Copper Wire
about 12 gauge
Epoxy Clay
Gapoxio or Apoxie Sculpt
Aluminum Foil
Sculpting Tools
Heat Gun
Lots of Sand Paper
Course, Med, and Fine
Water or Solvent
For Smoothing Clay
Old Lint Free Rags
Primer
I Prefer White, Most People
use Grey or Brown
Lots Of Patience!!!
| Use the heat gun to gently heat and form the neck arch. |
These two photos show aluminum foil wrapped around
some copper wire and inserted into the neck cavity on both
pieces. Make sure to fill the cavities with your epoxy clay
before inserting the foil, this will hold it in place. Let the
model "set up" for at least 4 hours or until the clay is hard before you continue. You may have to prop the head on something
to keep it in the position you want while it sets. The aluminum foil will give you a nice base to sculpt the neck on while still
keeping it light so it doesn't become top heavy. 'NOTE' only mix the epoxy clay as you need it so you don't waste it.
some copper wire and inserted into the neck cavity on both
pieces. Make sure to fill the cavities with your epoxy clay
before inserting the foil, this will hold it in place. Let the
model "set up" for at least 4 hours or until the clay is hard before you continue. You may have to prop the head on something
to keep it in the position you want while it sets. The aluminum foil will give you a nice base to sculpt the neck on while still
keeping it light so it doesn't become top heavy. 'NOTE' only mix the epoxy clay as you need it so you don't waste it.
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Here you see the neck after it has set and I
have sculpted the new basic muscles over the
aluminum foil base. There is still finish work to
be done after I get all the main parts sculpted.
I have wrapped wire with foil again to make a
sculpting base for the tail. Drill a small hole in
the tail base of the model and use super glue to secure the wire inside...make sure to leave enough wire to insert into the
tail base area and enough to sculpt the length of the tail.
have sculpted the new basic muscles over the
aluminum foil base. There is still finish work to
be done after I get all the main parts sculpted.
I have wrapped wire with foil again to make a
sculpting base for the tail. Drill a small hole in
the tail base of the model and use super glue to secure the wire inside...make sure to leave enough wire to insert into the
tail base area and enough to sculpt the length of the tail.
| <-----This is NOT the way to carve out ears! |
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