Etching the Model Horse: Beyond Collecting
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What is etching?
When other model horse collectors saw artist's works selling for great prices on eBay, they saw an opportunity that "anyone" could do, unlike painting, and hundreds of lesser quality "etchies" flooded the eBay market. The trend has all but died out, with few people still etching today.
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Etching is an art
The hairs grow in different directions at various places on a horse, and the faint lines that represent "hairs" on a model horse must run in the same direction as they would on an actual horse for the representation to be lifelike.
The simple etch
Although considered unprofessional by some, a simple etch can be a LSQ (see model horse showing) work if the pattern is well-executed and believable.
The full etch
This generally takes MANY more hours than a simple etch, and these models are more expensive. However, if done improperly, the model still won't do well in live showing, no matter how long it took the artist.
Pages devoted to etching
Etching (page published in 1998)
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Etching Tips :: Fallen Leaves
A Model Horse Community0 points
My etchies of the past
I have not etched in a long time due to wrist pain and lack of time to dedicate to the hobby, but when I was a work-at-home mom I etched and sold quite a few models on eBay. New Flickr Photos
Want to give it a try?
Stablemates Gift PackĀ
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/12/2009)![]()
Etching has the most eye-popping effect on black, dark bay and brown models. But, they also show your mistakes in alarming detail. Practicing on lighter colored horses such as gray and tan (palomino, dun) to start with might produce more satisfactory results. Even horses that already have large white areas can be etched-touch up the fuzzy edges with tiny hairs for realism.
What's your opinion of etching?
Is etching an art form?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLooks easy. I bet any fool can etch a show quality pattern.
Wow, I can see how that could be as difficult as painting!
LaraineRose says:
I used to sketch horses when I lived on the farm. I know that everyone can draw a stick horse (well perhaps not everyone) but I think etching would be so much harder.
Posted January 30, 2008
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