The Old Fart Finishwork Program
UPDATE
Effective 11/23/25
It is with some sadness and a lot of disappointment that I have to bring the Old Fart Finishwork Program to an end. I swore I would never do this, but in light of facts I can no longer ignore, the OFFP is no more.
I thought doing finishwork for free would be a wonderful way to give back to the model horse community for all the years of pleasure it has given me. But the writing is very clearly on the wall; hobbyists don't feel my work is worth the trouble (and/or expense) of prepping and sending me a model.
Even offers to paint models for live show donations have fallen flat. I've done several donations for various shows and NEVER have I been asked to do another. That says it all - NO ONE wants work done by me. I even once offered a model horse friend to paint any of her models for free and she flatly turned me down. That still hurts today.
It's ironic, I think, that the joy I was getting from doing free finishwork has now given me so much sadness and disappointment. I didn't think my work was THAT bad, but apparently it is if I can't even give it away. Several folks have referred to my work as CRAP, but I was too naive or stupid or egotistical to believe it at the time. Obviously, they were right.
I won't stop painting model horses, though. Despite the pain my failed attempt to give back to the hobby has caused me, I still find happiness at slapping paint on a model horse, even if it does look like crap to someone else.
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 a model (or 2 or 3), I will post it on my studio FaceBook page. It is private, so you will need to join. Only members are eligible for the Old Fart Finishwork Program. If you are not yet a member, you can join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3318237578207235
The FB post will give all the details on what is being offered and how you can participate.
If there are several people interested in the offering, I will pick a name (or names).
Only one OFFP model per person!
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 mostly an Artist’s Choice program, meaning I will paint your model the color/pattern of MY choice, but I will occasionally offer to do specific colors and/or patterns, or owner's choice. 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 a model (or 2 or 3), I will post it on my studio FaceBook page. It is private, so you will need to join. Only members are eligible for the Old Fart Finishwork Program. If you are not yet a member, you can join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3318237578207235
The FB post will give all the details on what is being offered and how you can participate.
If there are several people interested in the offering, I will pick a name (or names).
Only one OFFP model per person!
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!!
