Faded Black

The following tutorial was written in 2014.

The model used is a Breyer Stablemate G2 Arabian.

The paints used were a mixture of Revell Aqua Colour, Vallejo and Citadel Acrylics. This horse was completed using airbrushed acrylics. For the pricing it is assumed you are using hand painted acrylics (or already own an airbrush) and a Stablemate body that is already prepped.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Approximate Cost: £25.00

Shopping List

The Basics

Prepped Model Horse
Paint Brushes or Airbrush

Paints

Orange
Red Brown
Sand Brown
​Black

The Base Colour

Step 1

The first step is to mix equal parts orange, red brown and sand together

Step 2

​Cover the entire horse in this paint mix. It should look a little neon!

Step 3

Add red brown to the barrel of the horse, legs and back

Step 4

​We are now going to start adding the layers of black. This should be done slowly building up the colour, eventually you should be able to see ginger through the base coat in places. Start with the areas marked red in this picture.

Step 5

Add your second layer of black as shown in the image below

Step 6

Add your third layer of black paint as shown in the image below

Step 7

Finally cover the entire horse in a layer of black. The ginger base coat should still show through to varying degrees in places.

Step 8

Your piece should now resemble the one below

Step 9

Hand paint the mane and tail with black paint

The Details

Step 1

Start the eyes with a base coat of white and a tiny bit of red mixed in

Step 2

Add a very fine layer of burnt umber to both eyes

Step 3

Paint the pupils using burnt umber

Step 4

Finally create an oblong shaped pupil with black paint

Step 5

Paint the hooves with a light grey coloured paint

Step 6

Add a layer of black grey paint the hooves leaving a small light grey band around the top of the hooves

Finishing Your Piece

Finish your piece with a layer of sealant and your signature.

Once the sealant is dry add a layer of gloss to the hooves and eyes.

If you have finished this tutorial and would like to share a picture of your completed piece please email catriona@chestnutridge.co.uk

My own completed piece finished in 2014