This month our Artist Spotlight is Danielle Feldman of Storybook Stable. Danielle paints with pastels and if you haven’t heard of the horses she has created for NAN then you should head on over to her site and check them out! Till then just click read more to find out more about Danielle!
How did you get started sculpting/painting model horses?
I’ve been fascinated by the horse from as early as I can remember. I used to read all the horse books I could get my hands on. I had a slew of My Little Ponies, and at some point, I was given a Breyer, which started it all. There was a little toy and hobby shop I loved to got to and look at all the Breyer models, as they were displayed out of the box. I discovered JAH magazine on the box insert one day and was introduced to showing and customizing through that venue. When I made a friend at the riding stable where we took lessons, our first experiments began in painting our Breyers. I remember hers were done in enamels. Mine were probably some cheap craft paint. But I heard from her the other day and she still has the piece I painted for her!
An early custom I remember was sawing off the tail of a Stock Horse Mare half way off, painting it a solid blue-grey with black legs (no blending mind you), painted a black mane, and glued real black horse hair from my friend’s horse on the tail. My first blue roan! I actually sold that horse to someone, I can only imagine they bought it as a body! LOL
Somewhere in the teenage years, I bought a copy of Carol William’s guide. I read the whole thing cover-to-cover (did I mention I like to read?) and carefully underlined sections in pencil. I then delved into painting with oils. I struggled with blending the paint (I realize now my paint was too thick). And they had really long dry times because of the thickness of the paint. At some point, I also started playing around with resculpting Breyers. I’m sure I got advice from all the articles in hobby magazines, so thanks to all those authors!
I went off to college, left everything packed up at my parent’s basement (along with a six foot long, partially finished barn I left on the table down there!) and became disconnected with the model horse world. Somewhere during the end of my college time, I brought a few back with me to work on, picked up a corner desk at the thrift shop, and continued to finish some pieces that I had started.
I got married, graduated soon after, and we’ve moved alot since then. I continued to dabble in customizing and oils. I had a huge set of pastels from my high school art classes and saw somewhere that people were using pastels on models. The light went on, I pulled them out and have never gone back to oils. With the birth of our daughter, pastels have allowed me to work in whatever timeframe I had, without fear of paint drying if I had to leave the room. About 4 months after Audrey joined us, we relocated to IN where I was privileged to be an at-home Mom. At this point, my customizing really took off as I worked during her naps and after bedtime until my husband came home, and this is when I really started to see improvements in my work.
How many horses did you go through before you felt that you had the skills to paint and/or sculpt for the public?
Well, as I said, I sold my work from the very beginning. Not that I was even proud of that work! Someone once told me, it takes about a hundred pieces until your work is up to par. I think there may be some truth to that. I don’t know if there is an exact number, but certainly, it takes practice and practice and trial and error to get pieces of quality. There are times when I still struggle to get a certain look or feel to a horse. I don’t think you’re ever done learning how to be a better artist.
What puts you “in the mood” to work?
What puts you “in the mood” to work?
Large blocks of quiet time are what I seek. I like to go into “the mode” and stay there without interruption. This doesn’t always happen, especially since Audrey stopped taking naps two years ago and goes to bed later. So, I try to push myself to work in smaller segments or amidst distractions, though I try to do prepping work or other less creative tasks in these situations.
Another thing that inspires me is to look at the work of other artists whom I admire. Sometimes it can be disheartening and overwhelming to see work far superior to what I can do, but generally it causes me to reach deeper within myself and try new things.
What gives you artist block and how do you break it?
I’ve found that working on commissioned customized plastic pieces is my biggest block. I simply will never do another. It takes me a year or more to finish one and to me, that is unacceptable. If I’m going to customize, it has to be my own vision, and it has to be on my own time table (as I can throw it back in the box if I like). Another block for me, is painting sculptures I’m not impressed with or I find uninspiring. I think this is a challenge for all artists, not unique to myself. I guess the challenge is to use the finish work to being those sculptures out of their dreary selves to a new level of being. Easier said then done.
What piece do you feel was the one that really got your “career” going? 
Some of the most inspiring pieces have been the two drastic resin customs I have done for the NAN auctions the past two years. (Note, I highly respect VARA rights and always ask permission of the sculpting artist before customizing any resin in any way. 
) Bringing those historic Hamilton paintings to three-dimensional form was really thrilling for me. And, I think the first piece, Cerbero, really is one my most popular and most recognized pieces. I received compliments on him from two of my most revered equine artists. I printed out their emails and hung them up by work desk. <sheepish grin>
Do you have a favorite breed that you like to sculpt the most?
) Bringing those historic Hamilton paintings to three-dimensional form was really thrilling for me. And, I think the first piece, Cerbero, really is one my most popular and most recognized pieces. I received compliments on him from two of my most revered equine artists. I printed out their emails and hung them up by work desk. <sheepish grin>Do you have a favorite breed that you like to sculpt the most?
I don’t have a favorite per se. There are so many breed types out there that are just wonderful in their own ways. I will say I have a whole herd of horses in ideas in all shapes and sizes that I hope to translate into clay someday!
If your everyday job wasn’t being a sculptor/painter, what would you like to be? Or, alternately – What is your everyday job if you have one (other than being an artist)?
Being an at-home Mom is the best job. It has allowed me to follow my passions: art, equines, and dancing. I teach dance on the side as well. 
Does your significant other (spouse, boyfriend, etc) understand and help you with your hobby?
He really does try to understand, but not being a collector or hobbyist himself, he has a hard time with the time I spend getting ready for shows. The house gets to be a mess, I stay up all hours of the night, and nothing gets done, but horses. I love to compete. Performance is one of my favorite things in the hobby. But I only show horses that I create (with the exception of one piece Jonathan gave to me when we were first married), so I’m always trying to broaden my show string (as many get sold to may for my performance habit along the way!) He was so proud of me after my first NAN, that he bragged to his coworkers about the National titles my horses had earned. I was actually surprised by how proud he was. As long as there is balance, he’s happy to let me explore my creative outlet. But my personality is such that I get engrossed in things to to the point of ignoring all others. I simply can’t start a good novel unless I have the entire day to finish it. I’m trying to achieve balance, I really am!
What part of your paintjobs/sculptures do you find absolutely unique to your style?
I have no idea. I like doing white markings, so I do alot of pintos and some Appies. I find overos fascinating, and I’ve done alot of sabinos. I think I probably do alot of dappling too. Pastels lend themselves so well to it, that it’s hard to resist! I’m sure others might say I have a style made up of X, Y, Z, but off the top of my head I couldn’t guess what it is. I just do what I like, and I’m sure a style has or is developing, but that is not where my focus lies.
At what point in your painting and/or sculpting does the horse seem to “come to life”?
Each horse is different. There have been select horses that came to life after repositioning. Others came to life for me when I got to a certain body color that was just right. For many though, they really grab me with the facial detailing.
Where is your designated work area?
Before we moved, I had a built in desk with lots of shelving. It was great. I’ve also worked on kitchen tables, on a corner desk in college, and even in my parent’s basement for awhile on a little desk. It’s easier to have a stationary designated spot with supplies handy (I have a bookshelf for models next to our kitchen table right now that houses the horses I’m working on and all my supplies and some reference material), but anyone can make do with what they’ve got. I find it easiest to work where I can see a TV. I like to have a movie on when I’m working late at night. It’s usually an old musical, Anne of Green Gables, or my all time favorite, Pride and Prejudice (all the movies Jonathan would rather not sit through). I don’t really watch the movie, which is why I pick the same ones over and over, I already know what’s happening. Having movies on is better than TV, because the time goes by easier. Half hour TV shows are too chopped up when I’m in the zone. Sometimes I work to music, but I don’t like having to stop to change the CD. That’s why P&P is perfect, I can go two nights without having to change the DVD but once.
What mediums and techniques do you use now, and which would you like experiment in the future?
I use pastels and hand painted acrylics. I have used oils, though not as well as I’d like. So I may revisit that media. I’d also like to learn to airbrush effectively as a 
basecoat for pastel detail. And I really want to hone my sculpting skills.
basecoat for pastel detail. And I really want to hone my sculpting skills. What brand of mediums(clay,tools,etc.) do you use?Or recommend?
I like Sennelier pastels, but any expensive soft pastel will get similar results. I mix and match my pastel brands. I also like Liquitex for my detailing. And I found my new favorite color of acrylic paint, unbleached titanium. It is the perfect color as a base for flaxen manes and tails or shell colored hooves (with some other pigments for shading, of course). For white markings, I use gesso to build them up as it is more opaque than acrylic and less gummy. And if it does get grainy, it can be lightly sanded before the final layers of white are applied. Final layers can be in acrylic, gesso, pearly white acrylic or a blend thereof. As for sculpting, I posted a review on non-hardening clays in the reviews section here at Fallen Leaves, so go check it out.
What other artist/sculptor/hobbyist do you most admire?
What other artist/sculptor/hobbyist do you most admire?
There is a small group of people I’ve had the privilege of working with behind the scenes at RESS. I admire these people for their willingness to give of their time, and their sacrifice to offer contests and grants they can’t compete for. All to promote the artistry of the equine and develop other artists.
There are alot of wonderful people in the hobby who give back to others, and I admire them as much as those whose art amazes me.
Do you like to listen to music while you work and if so what kind of music?
Broadway musicals, country, classical, big band, easy listening, but only if I can’t decide on a good movie first.
Do you like to listen to music while you work and if so what kind of music?
Broadway musicals, country, classical, big band, easy listening, but only if I can’t decide on a good movie first.
What kind of back ground did you have in art before you started working with model horses?
I had a wonderful art teacher in high school, who was also an equine lover. During my years there, I learned the basic principles of art and started applying them to the equine. I continued studying art at college, but changed my major to dance my second year. So, my formal art education only covered the basics, but I also learned to see the world from a different perspective, to find the myriad shades of green in the dancing corn fields. I am grateful to have had that training, that gave me a foundation to explore on my own. I had very limited exposure to sculpture during those years, so attended a sculpture workshop with renowned equine artist, Gwen Reardon, at the AAEA workshop a couple summers ago on a grant from RESS (my impetus for volunteering for RESS). That week long workshop made me realize my potential, and I am so excited to finish up the last of my orders and start sculpting!
I had a wonderful art teacher in high school, who was also an equine lover. During my years there, I learned the basic principles of art and started applying them to the equine. I continued studying art at college, but changed my major to dance my second year. So, my formal art education only covered the basics, but I also learned to see the world from a different perspective, to find the myriad shades of green in the dancing corn fields. I am grateful to have had that training, that gave me a foundation to explore on my own. I had very limited exposure to sculpture during those years, so attended a sculpture workshop with renowned equine artist, Gwen Reardon, at the AAEA workshop a couple summers ago on a grant from RESS (my impetus for volunteering for RESS). That week long workshop made me realize my potential, and I am so excited to finish up the last of my orders and start sculpting!
When did you start collecting model horses? and what do you collect the most of? OF’s, resins, etc….
My Breyer collection as a child is now long gone, but I have re-collected one mold in an effort to retain a piece of my childhood and to pass on to my children. It’s the old mold stablemate draft horse. I also have an obscene nudist colony (a.k.a. unreasonable amount of unpainted resins). This is the result of saving horses to paint for myself “some day down the road”. Of course, some of them I’m not yet worthy to paint, but I really need to start making a dent someday soon. And I’m not ashamed to say I collect beautiful works of tack art.
Do you have a holy grail at the moment?I am lucky enough to have acquired mine. Kotillian and Fandango, by Sarah M-B, are probably my ultimate favorite sculptures. I think of all the resins produced in the hobby, these two transcend the world of model horses to fine art in its best expression (Sarah, you really should do these two in bronze!). Of the horses I don’t have that I’d love to have to paint for myself, Orinocco, also by Sarah, it at the top of the list.
Can you remember the first model that you painted that won a major award in a show?
Kathal comes to mind. He is Stacey Tumlinson’s Thor resin painted to a dappled bay tobiano Gypsy Vanner. He won Reserve Overall Grand Champion Resin at Hoosier Hysteria. The judge complimented him by comparing him to the work of an artist I greatly admire. I was thrilled.
Do you have a memorable event that really stood out to you, or meant a lot to you in relation to the hobby?
There are too many! A random one that comes to mind was at Marney Walerius’ Congress show in the 80’s. I was trying to tack up models with broken fingers (thanks to my horse feeling frisky one day!), and I was a junior shower soaking it all in. I was so happy to be there! She awarded me a sportsmanship award – a large piñata horse! That thing hung in my closet forever before I finally let my siblings have at it after I left for college. I have since become too competitive for my own good and could take lessons from my younger self!
Do you have any tips for beginning artist to better their sculpting/painting?
Read the advice given by practiced artists in articles and books. Get the right tools for the job. Don’t burn your fingers on a candle! Get a heating gun and oven mitts! Use quality art supplies, your work will instantly be upgraded. Don’t give up. Study others’ works, and try to find ways to get similar effects in your own. Never copy someone’s work, but learn from others. And if possible, attend workshops and seminars from other artists after you’ve had some time to practice on your own.
What do you hope to accomplish/learn this year?
I’m down to one commission, one collaboration, and one repair to finish. It is a beautiful feeling. When they’re done, I intend to sculpt, learn some new web graphics skills and redo my website. I’d also like to do some instructional videos depending on how the footage turned out at the pastel clinics I taught. And we have baby number two joining us this summer, so I’ve only got a few months left to do all that! LOL
Do you own any real horses? if not what breed would you most like to own?
Not currently. We don’t have any pets right now, I tell my husband I’m holding out for a pony. 
I had a wonderful Quarter Horse, Bookaboo, in high school and worked at the stable to pay for his board.He was young and green and we had a good time. I had taken huntseat lessons years prior, but he was just as content to go western on the trails, as long as their was no water nearby. He was wonderful. He lived a short, but full life. My parent’s donated him to a handicap riding program, where he served nobly for many years, then he lived out the remainder of his days with his host family that loved him, and their pony, McGoo.
I had a wonderful Quarter Horse, Bookaboo, in high school and worked at the stable to pay for his board.He was young and green and we had a good time. I had taken huntseat lessons years prior, but he was just as content to go western on the trails, as long as their was no water nearby. He was wonderful. He lived a short, but full life. My parent’s donated him to a handicap riding program, where he served nobly for many years, then he lived out the remainder of his days with his host family that loved him, and their pony, McGoo. Why is the model horse hobby special to you?
It gives me the perfect blend of a creative outlet, an avenue for my competitive nature, and a place to be with friends.
It gives me the perfect blend of a creative outlet, an avenue for my competitive nature, and a place to be with friends.
What other interests do you have outside of the Model horse world?
I loved dancing competitive ballroom and touring with the ballroom team when in college and miss it! I teach ballroom and children’s creative movement (or did before we moved, and will again someday). I also love to read. Storybook Stable got it’s name partly because my parent’s live in Storybook Highlands subdivision, which gave me the idea, but mostly because my world of horses came entirely through books for a large portion of life. I also like web design.
Do you get any vacation time and if so, wheres your favorite place(s) to visit?
When my husband takes vacation, we like to visit family. Mine are in the Chicago area, where we are currently residing, and his are in Utah. One place we went to on a baby moon (vacation taken before delivery of a child) was Mackinac Island in Michigan. The only motorized vehicles are emergency vehicles. Everyone else travels by horse drawn vehicles. We even rented a carriage with a Belgian named Jim. We tried to get him to do anything faster than his meander, but the only way to break him out of the pace was to actually stop him. At which point he would turn around to look at us. it was quite hysterical.
If you had the chance to own any famous piece of art (i.e.: the Mona Lisa, American Gothic, Monet’s Water lilies… etc) what would it be and why?
One of Degas’ dancers paintings. I’d have to think hard to pick which one, there are several I like.
If you had one wish, and it could be anything you want what would it be, and why?
Would it be to cliché to wish for world piece? I wish people would think of others more often, sacrifice a little more for the greater good, get along, take care of each other, and be happier for it.
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