Breyer model horse painter and artist Mindy Berg was one of those horse-crazy kids who stared longingly out the car windows at horses grazing by the size of the road. She read every horse book she could get her hands on, took riding lessons, drew horses and collected Breyer horses. Like so many model horse collectors, as her real horse world activities consumed more time, she gradually shifted into riding and training actual horses and set her Breyers aside. Mindy received her Bachelor of Arts degree and began a busines teaching natural horsemanship, training horses, and teaching riding lessons. After she became a mother, she realized that the strenous and physically demanding activities at the barn no longer fit her lifestyle as they once had. She couldn't just leave her love of horses behind, however. She began searching online for information on her childhood hobby, collecting Breyer horses. Imagine her surprise when she discovered a whole world online that combined her passion for art and her love of horses.
Mindy said,"I found exquisite pieces of 3 dimensional art on the Internet. Model horses that looked like they would move or blink, realistic in pose and stature. When I saw the beautiful Artist Resins and the way they looked, I knew that I was onto something. I thought to myself 'I can do that!'"
She took out her paints and pastels and has never looked back. Today, Mindy is recognized as one of the hobby's most popular and celebrated model horse painters. Her work was honored in 2010 when Breyer asked her to customize a Breyer horse for their display at the World Equestrian Games. Hip Hop, the customized Breyer Mindy created, not only graced the display, Breyer selected it for the cover of their magazine, Just About Horses, a dream come true for Mindy. Today the entire diorama and others from the World Equestrian Games, along with Hip Hop, is on display at Breyer's corporate headquarters in New Jersey.
Mindy shared her insights into painting model horses and tips for beginners eager to paint and customize their first Breyers and Artist Resin model horses.
What were your early customized Breyers like?
"If you could see the early works...you would not get discouraged. I will never show them! It is a small miracle that I ever went on and did not get discouraged by my first attempts. Determination is also part of my integral personalty. Each horse got a little better, and at my very first show, a small piece I painted took a second place. I was elated. That second place was like a gift; it encouraged me to continue painting."
The key takeaway for beginners is to never give up. Keep painting, and each model horse will be better than the last one.
"The first horses were not very good, but I continued. Everything I learned, I taught myself, by using trial and error. I think that allowed me to develop my style without boundaries. No one had told me how, so I found my own way. I believe realism comes from many small nuances done right to achieve and overall picture."
Which is your favorite model horse that you have painted or customized?
"Favoritism is difficult! It is always the one I am working on at the time of the question. But yes over the years I have has some favorites. My overall favorite horse that I have done would be Zephyr, my custom Stormwatch resin. That horse spoke to me so loudly, and came out exactly the way I had visualized him. The angry drafter Volcan, an Annihilator resin By Debbi LerMond, was another favorite. I would also say the same for Hip Hop, the custom I created for Breyer at display at the World Equestrian Games. This was like a childhood dream come true to work with Breyer and have a piece I created be a representation for the model horse community. He was featured on the cover of the Breyer Just About Horses(JAH) magazine Winter 2011."
What is your definition of a "Live Show Quality" painted horse model?
"I believe a live show quality horse model (LSQ) is a horse that make you gasp. I have found every horse affects people differently, since we all have our own tastes. One horse I painted never placed for me at the one show I took him to. For his next owner at his next show, he was high point overall show Champion. LSQ is very subjective, and it can be very personal. I would look for a horse that speaks to you, since you are the one looking at it. It should bring you joy. Couple things to make sure of in a horse you want to show is to watch out for brush strokes, sloppy lines or anything that ruins the flow of the overall picture. You would not want to purchase a piece and get "stuck" on a part that is out of harmony, bothers you, or ruins the realism."
Mindy's Tips for Beginners Starting to Paint Their Own Model Horses
- Start small. Rome wasn't built in a day.You'll improve with each project.
- Don't be afraid to try something new.
- Be realistic, with both yourself and your abilities. Many painters that you see have been doing it for years, and I suspect that their first attempt at painting were not anywhere near the caliber of their work today.
- Before you even pick up a paintbrush, head for the barn and really look at the horses. You may be surprised at how intricate and full of depth a color like black or white really is.
- Note the nuances and shading, or where the coat sparkles. Don't be afraid if your first attempt is not very good!
- Try different things and see what works for you or what appeals to you. Experiment, have fun, and start small; creative talents need to be nurtured and will blossom if you give yourself a chance.
- Find what makes you happy and remember that it is highly personal and about what pleases you. And above all, have fun!
You can view more of Mindy Berg's painted and customized model horses on her website, Spruce Mountain Studios.