The following tutorial was written in 2011.
The model used is a Schleich Trakehner Stallion (gelding).
This tutorial was completed using airbrushed acrylics, hand painted acrylics and pastels. It is perfectly possible to complete this without the use of an airbrush. It is assumed you are painting a Stablemate model horse but this tutorial will work for all scales.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Approximate Cost: £45.00
The model used is a Schleich Trakehner Stallion (gelding).
This tutorial was completed using airbrushed acrylics, hand painted acrylics and pastels. It is perfectly possible to complete this without the use of an airbrush. It is assumed you are painting a Stablemate model horse but this tutorial will work for all scales.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Approximate Cost: £45.00
Shopping List
Supplies
Prepped Model Horse Body
Black Paint
Dark Grey Paint
Medium Grey Paint
Black Pastel
Sealant
Paint colours needed for the details:
Flesh Tone
Dark Brown
White
Red
Tools
Assorted Paint Brushes
Old Paint Brushes (for pastels)
Airbrush (optional)
Prepped Model Horse Body
Black Paint
Dark Grey Paint
Medium Grey Paint
Black Pastel
Sealant
Paint colours needed for the details:
Flesh Tone
Dark Brown
White
Red
Tools
Assorted Paint Brushes
Old Paint Brushes (for pastels)
Airbrush (optional)
Base Colour
Step 1
You will need to start with a model horse prepped in white primer. You will also need to find a reference picture of a leopard spotted horse to work from, I recommend Google images of image sharing sites such as Pinterest for this. Choose a relatively basic pattern to start with if this is your first attempt at a leopard spotted.
You will need to start with a model horse prepped in white primer. You will also need to find a reference picture of a leopard spotted horse to work from, I recommend Google images of image sharing sites such as Pinterest for this. Choose a relatively basic pattern to start with if this is your first attempt at a leopard spotted.
Step 2
Add a thin layer of black paint to the base of the legs, bottom of the detail, muzzle and ears. We have used an airbrush for this, but black pastel would also work really well if you do not have access to an airbrush.
Add a thin layer of black paint to the base of the legs, bottom of the detail, muzzle and ears. We have used an airbrush for this, but black pastel would also work really well if you do not have access to an airbrush.
Step 3
We are going to create shading for the spots. Use a medium grey paint that is a little watered down.
We are going to create shading for the spots. Use a medium grey paint that is a little watered down.
Step 4
Using reference create the spotted pattern on the horse using the medium grey paint. Hold your brush at a slight angle and pay attention to the shape and direction of the spots as they should follow the coat hair direction. They are not round!
Using reference create the spotted pattern on the horse using the medium grey paint. Hold your brush at a slight angle and pay attention to the shape and direction of the spots as they should follow the coat hair direction. They are not round!
Step 5
Now paint over the spots with black paint, you will want some grey to show through in places but some may be completely covered. Take a look at your reference to see where there is grey shadowing coming through and try to imitate this. Again have your brush at a slight angle to create oval spots rather than round ones.
Now paint over the spots with black paint, you will want some grey to show through in places but some may be completely covered. Take a look at your reference to see where there is grey shadowing coming through and try to imitate this. Again have your brush at a slight angle to create oval spots rather than round ones.
Step 6
You are now ready to paint the details! For the eyes start with a flesh tone base colour. Then add a mixture of white and red across the whole eye.
Your iris can be created using dark brown. And then finally finish with a black oblong shaped pupil.
You are now ready to paint the details! For the eyes start with a flesh tone base colour. Then add a mixture of white and red across the whole eye.
Your iris can be created using dark brown. And then finally finish with a black oblong shaped pupil.
Step 7
For the hooves paint with a flesh tone colour and then finish off with black pastel stripes (downwards).
Add some shading to the mane and tail using black pastel and also darken the muzzle, genitals and the inside of the ears with black pastel.
For the hooves paint with a flesh tone colour and then finish off with black pastel stripes (downwards).
Add some shading to the mane and tail using black pastel and also darken the muzzle, genitals and the inside of the ears with black pastel.
The Finished Piece
Finish your piece with a few layers of sealant. You can then gloss the eyes and hooves of your model.
Once done make sure to sign your new custom so that everybody knows it was by you! If you have used this tutorial to finish a model horse why not email us a picture and we can feature it in our completed pieces gallery below.
Once done make sure to sign your new custom so that everybody knows it was by you! If you have used this tutorial to finish a model horse why not email us a picture and we can feature it in our completed pieces gallery below.