Our Artist Spotlight this month is Nicole Reid of Village Lakes Farms. We would like to thank Nicole for taking the time to answer a few of our questions. So take a minute and take a look at her interview.
You can see more of Nicoles work at her website
Here are some of our Upcoming Artist Spotlights!!
Nov. Darleen Stoddard (Equi-Works)
Dec. Pamala Hutton
Jan. Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig
Feb. Jenn Danza
Mar. Debra Loveless
Apr. Morgen Kilburn
How
did you get started painting model horses?
I was getting frustrated with the Breyer paint jobs and thought I could do
better. I also didn’t want to pay anyone to paint a horse for me…I just figured
I could do it for my self and went at it.
Do you have a favorite color that you like to paint the most?
All colors are my favorite. I try and put as much attention to detail into every
color I do.
Everyone mainly thinks of you as an artist but as a collector what do you
collect the most of? OF’s, resins, etc…..
I used to collect OF Breyer drafts (still have them) and early Peter Stone
drafts (which I still have too). I do have quite a few resins now. There are
more resin draft and long ears in my collection now than anything else.
What mediums and techniques do you use now, and which would you like
experiment in the future?
I airbrush and hand paint in acrylic and hand paint in oils. I have also been
known to use anything else that will get the job done. Like colored pencils,
pastels, etching etc……… For the future I may try experimenting with different
paint brands.
What kind of background did you have in art before you started
painting model horses?
Do you really want to know? Here goes… I have been doing some kind of art since
I could remember. Right now I can draw, paint on canvas, airbrush, batiks,
flower arranging, candle making, weaving wall hangings, pottery, basket weaving,
sculpture, and jewelry making. I am sure there is more but I can’t remember
right now. For model horses, I can make my own horseshoes, prep and repair my
own models, and make tack (mainly bridles, and halters). I have never tackled a
saddle yet.
When did you start collecting model horses? and what was your first model?
My aunt owned my first model and I rescued him from her. He is a beat up red
roan running stallion. I still own him to this day and he is still running on my
shelf proudly. :0) I really started collecting around 1993. I picked up a Breyer
PAS in dapple-grey and the standing Breyer Shire mare in dark bay at a live
horse show.
Do you have any tips for beginning artist to better their painting?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. I have learned that is the only way to grow with
your painting.
What do you hope to accomplish/learn this year?
I hope to get into sculpting horses soon. I have so many great ideas in my head
that need to get out.
What other interests do you have outside of the Model horse world?
I am an aquarist. I have five tanks right now. I am looking at getting another
one soon. One of then has three very naughty goldfish. J (Sohal, Pootie Tang and
Gobi)-“The three stooges”. I also have a tank of tetras, and the rest are full
of guppies in which I am breeding. There are also lovely apple snails in all my
tanks. Right now I have chestnut, blue, and gold colored snails!
Do you like to listen to music while you paint and if so what kind of
music?
I listen to pretty much everything. But movie scores are my favorite. Things
like Gladiator, Dances with wolves, Braveheart …… I could go on but I won’t
(LOL)
What scale of models do you like/prefer to work on?
I love to work with the Trads.
Is there
any particular resin that you would love to work on, that you haven’t painted
yet?
A Sarah Rose TWH :0)
Do you get any vacation time and if so, where’s your favorite place(s) to
visit?
If I go on vacation it is usually to see family.
What was your first job, and did you ever envision yourself working on model
horses full time back then?
My first job was a riding instructor and I didn’t think I would be working
with models now.
What was your first custom? Do you still have it?
It was a Breyer Walking QH. I don’t still have it. I don’t know what happened to
it. I probably trashed it a long time ago.
Do you collect any pieces from other talented artists or just your own?
Just my own. I am too cheap to buy anyone else’s stuff. But I do look and learn
when I see other horses on the show table.
How many years have you been in the hobby?
About 10 years.
Do you own any real horses?
Yes I own a 15-year-old (going on 3 year old) American QH gelding. His name is
“Cedes”. He is out of Mercedes Impressive and Impressive. I used to show him in
halter, western pleasure and English classes. I got out of showing when I went
to college.
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