Step 2 White and Pink Markings. . .

A nice close-up of two of the Bay horses.

A few short painting sessions later, and the various and sundry white markings on the ankles, legs, and muzzles have been completed. 

First, all of the black areas on the 36 horses were first painted a mid-gray.  I then applied a wash or two of Citadel 'Abbadon Black' thinned with Liquitex Flow Aid, which provided some very attractive variegation on the castings and subtle highlighting as it settled nicely into lower areas.  I was trying to create that dark gray, velvety look that so many horses exhibit around their noses, mouths, and chins.  I used an old #3 and #4 round brush for these steps.

Next, I used an off white craft paint called 'Buttermilk' rather than Hollywood Smile White. which seems to give a nicer, more realistic looking result.  The muzzles went quckly, by the ankles and lower legs took a bit more time and care.  Still, not too many errant blotches to remove before they set.  My trusty 20+ year old sable 000 came in handy here.  It's showing its age at this point, but it still gave me some ability to apply and work this color precisely to where I wanted it on siad ankles and legs. 

Last, it was time for a bit of pink -- Winsor & Newton alkyd oil 'Flesh' -- on some of the muzzles, maybe about 2/3 of them.  I consulted a number of illustrations in my books on horses as well as online for this step when it came to pink skin showing through around nostrils and on lips.  Usually but not always, these are adjacent to white hair.  No two horses look exactly alike, so I tried to keep things very random too since there is such a wide variation when it comes to horse coloring and markings.  Once more, 'Ol' Paint,' my venerable 000 sable was used for this step since I was using such small amounts of paint and had to work it carefully around nostrils and lips.  On previous horses, I've always overdone the fleshtone, so I was very careful this go 'round to keep things restrained. 

Now, just some lighter hoof coloring to add to those feet which have white markings on the ankles or lower legs, and then it will be time to complete the leather girths before moving on to the more time-consuing bridles, reins, and etc.

-- Stokes

And here's the entire herd awaiting some attention to its hooves.