The Old Fart Finishwork Program
The story behind the Old Fart Finishwork Program and what it is!
My father wasn’t the kind of man who hugged his children or told them he loved them. He showed his love for us in other ways.
When I wanted to venture into the world of airbrushing model horses, I knew absolutely nothing about it. Oh, I knew I needed an airbrush and a compressor, but getting those two working together was a total mystery to me.
My father stepped in and provided me with my first two compressors. The first was an ancient beast dug out of the depths of the barn. It barely wheezed along, but it was enough to get a feel for airbrushing.
Then he was able to obtain a better compressor from his employer. It was too small for the job they wanted it for, so they sold it to him. Having been brought up during the Great Depression, my father rarely threw possibly useful items away. And, being clever with his hands, he connected the compressor to a very large, (empty) vintage fire extinguisher so I would have a fancy compressor with a tank. Later, he swapped out the large extinguisher with a smaller one, making my compressor/tank combo portable. I used that set-up for many, many years.
In addition to being clever turning junk into useful items, he was extremely generous, much to the chagrin of my mother. He loaned out thousands of dollars worth of top quality tools and equipment (he used to own an automotive service station) and most of it never came back. He knew when loaning out an item that he would probably never see it again. He was that kind of guy.
I’ve forgotten how or why we started calling him Old Fart…probably because father seemed too severe and dad or daddy just didn’t seem right, either. But Old Fart? Yup, that fit perfectly – and he smiled every time we called him that.
Old Fart passed away in 1995 and I still think of him and miss him every. single. day. I want to honor a kind and generous man by doing something kind and generous for this hobby that has given me many years of creative happiness. And that brings me to THE OLD FART FINISHWORK PROGRAM. That’s OFFP, which is appropriate, since if you sound it out, it kind of sounds like it could be a German swear word (my heritage is strongly German). LOL
The Old Fart Finishwork Program details:
I will paint whatever sized model you want FOR FREE. Here are the catches:
How this is going to work….
When I am ready to take on an OFFP model, I will draw a name from the mailing list. That person then has 45 days to provide me with a properly prepped model. If you pass or if the model does not arrive by the date I specify, you will be permanently dropped from the list and I will draw another name. Once your name is drawn, it will be removed from the mailing list. Only one freebie finishwork per person.
Occasionally, I will do a special drawing for a specific model size or color. I will send out a "heads-up" message to let everyone know I will be picking for a specific model and/or color so you will have the option to pass on that special drawing and still remain on the list for future drawings.
If you have any questions at all (I am sure I’ve forgotten something), please do not hesitate to email me Red Horse Artworks.
*Some important words about prepping….nearly anyone can prep a model. It takes time, persistence, and patience, along with some basic supplies. If you want to prep your own model, I will be happy to supply guidance. Check out YouTube for some videos and if you have any problems or questions, I will be glad to help out. ALL seams must be removed (check that mane and tail, be attentive to hooves and armpits) and if it has a logo it must be removed. Also, NO breather holes in the nostril or mouth – they must be moved to the groin area. Remember….the end finish greatly depends on what I start with. Poorly prepped models do not inspire me and if I have to fix problem areas, I will be very irritated and that will absolutely affect my attitude towards painting your model. I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT GOOD PREPPING IS!!
My father wasn’t the kind of man who hugged his children or told them he loved them. He showed his love for us in other ways.
When I wanted to venture into the world of airbrushing model horses, I knew absolutely nothing about it. Oh, I knew I needed an airbrush and a compressor, but getting those two working together was a total mystery to me.
My father stepped in and provided me with my first two compressors. The first was an ancient beast dug out of the depths of the barn. It barely wheezed along, but it was enough to get a feel for airbrushing.
Then he was able to obtain a better compressor from his employer. It was too small for the job they wanted it for, so they sold it to him. Having been brought up during the Great Depression, my father rarely threw possibly useful items away. And, being clever with his hands, he connected the compressor to a very large, (empty) vintage fire extinguisher so I would have a fancy compressor with a tank. Later, he swapped out the large extinguisher with a smaller one, making my compressor/tank combo portable. I used that set-up for many, many years.
In addition to being clever turning junk into useful items, he was extremely generous, much to the chagrin of my mother. He loaned out thousands of dollars worth of top quality tools and equipment (he used to own an automotive service station) and most of it never came back. He knew when loaning out an item that he would probably never see it again. He was that kind of guy.
I’ve forgotten how or why we started calling him Old Fart…probably because father seemed too severe and dad or daddy just didn’t seem right, either. But Old Fart? Yup, that fit perfectly – and he smiled every time we called him that.
Old Fart passed away in 1995 and I still think of him and miss him every. single. day. I want to honor a kind and generous man by doing something kind and generous for this hobby that has given me many years of creative happiness. And that brings me to THE OLD FART FINISHWORK PROGRAM. That’s OFFP, which is appropriate, since if you sound it out, it kind of sounds like it could be a German swear word (my heritage is strongly German). LOL
The Old Fart Finishwork Program details:
I will paint whatever sized model you want FOR FREE. Here are the catches:
- You must subscribe to the OFFP mailing list (because that is the list I will draw names from). See sign-up form BELOW.
- The model MUST be prepped and primed in white primer.* If at all possible, do NOT use Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2X Primer!!! It goes on way too thick and does not stick well to plastics (I've had a lot of problems with it chipping off, even when I sand the model to give it more grip). My preferred primer is Dupli-Color Sandable Primer in white.
- The model size can be Micro Mini to Traditional, since “I paint ‘em all, big and small”.
- If the model is a Classic or Traditional sized resin, it must be HOLLOW-CAST.
- Sorry, I will not paint Schleich’s or CollectA’s or any rubbery-type model.
- This is an Artist’s Choice program, meaning I will paint your model the color/pattern of MY choice, but I am always open to your ideas since I often don’t know what color the model wants to be. But ultimately, the final color/pattern decision is mine, so if you want complete control over how your model is painted, then I am not the finishwork person for you.
- The model might be airbrushed, pastelled, painted with oils, who knows! I am eager to explore new mediums and techniques. But I do assure you that, whatever the medium(s) or technique(s) I use, I will do my very best to deliver a well executed model to you.
- The model must be packed and shipped in a sturdy box with sufficient, good quality packing materials, as I will return the finished model with the same packing materials and box. Return shipping/insurance to be paid by the owner via PayPal Friends/Family (no fee).
- The owner MUST MUST MUST have extreme patience, as I am a slow painter at best. If, for any reason, I cannot paint your model, I will return the model to you at my expense, plus refund you what you paid to have it shipped to me.
- In the spirit of this program, I am counting on the goodness of hobbyists that, if there is ever the need to sell the model I painted for you for free, you would pass along the generosity by donating at least a portion of the proceeds to charity (animal charities, especially).
- This program will be cancelled should I find out anyone is participating just to get the free finishwork so that they can then turn around and sell the model. I will "out" that person on every venue possible.
How this is going to work….
When I am ready to take on an OFFP model, I will draw a name from the mailing list. That person then has 45 days to provide me with a properly prepped model. If you pass or if the model does not arrive by the date I specify, you will be permanently dropped from the list and I will draw another name. Once your name is drawn, it will be removed from the mailing list. Only one freebie finishwork per person.
Occasionally, I will do a special drawing for a specific model size or color. I will send out a "heads-up" message to let everyone know I will be picking for a specific model and/or color so you will have the option to pass on that special drawing and still remain on the list for future drawings.
If you have any questions at all (I am sure I’ve forgotten something), please do not hesitate to email me Red Horse Artworks.
*Some important words about prepping….nearly anyone can prep a model. It takes time, persistence, and patience, along with some basic supplies. If you want to prep your own model, I will be happy to supply guidance. Check out YouTube for some videos and if you have any problems or questions, I will be glad to help out. ALL seams must be removed (check that mane and tail, be attentive to hooves and armpits) and if it has a logo it must be removed. Also, NO breather holes in the nostril or mouth – they must be moved to the groin area. Remember….the end finish greatly depends on what I start with. Poorly prepped models do not inspire me and if I have to fix problem areas, I will be very irritated and that will absolutely affect my attitude towards painting your model. I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT GOOD PREPPING IS!!
