Busy summer

Once again, I find that I have been neglecting this blog, mostly in favor of writing my Model Horse Collectibility blog. I have also had a pretty busy summer, what with work, a bit of travel, work, BreyerFest, and work. I'm going to play catch-up a bit here, and I will try to cram most of my news into this post if possible.

Since 2006, my summer has traditionally kicked off with a trip to Golden, CO, for the Springamathing live show (formerly Devilish Kokopelli Live) hosted by Heather Roell. I've judged there every year since 2006, and I've absolutely fallen in love with the scenery and the terrific crowd of hobbyists out there. It's always a blast, and the competition is always fierce. To wit, you might recognize these famous beauties that were present at Springamathing this year:

The incomparable appy Victrix by Liz Shaw (Yes, the $17,000 Victrix.)

 A rare Orinocco resin by Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig (painted by Carol Williams)

Valor sculpted and painted by Carol Williams in an intricate dominant white pattern

As if the amazing models weren't enough, here are a few pictures of the view from the show hall.

Looking out the front door first thing in the morning

 The evening view out the back door

Teresa Fedak and I drove up Mt. Evans the next day:

June and July were devoted to BreyerFest prep as well as a lot of work on commissions. I finally have a nice camera, so I took bunches of photos at the BreyerFest Open Show, the International Museum of the Horse, and a variety of shots around the park. You can see them here.

A trip to the Kentucky Horse Park is not complete without a visit to the grave of the horse that started it all for me, Man O' War.

A top-notch drill team in the covered arena

The skeleton of the famous 19th century Thoroughbred sire Lexington recently returned home to Kentucky from the Smithsonian.

BreyerFest was the end of my summer fun, but seeing my hobby friends and their incredible models always leaves me inspired to tackle my own commissions when I get home again. I've been making a concerted effort to finish up the last of my custom orders by the end of September, and here are a few that are ready to head off to their new homes.

 

Kathi Bogucki's Equus Maximus resin in leopard appaloosa as a Sugarbush Drafter

 

Breyer Andalusian in grulla sabino

 

Breyer Idocus with a new mane in chestnut as a portrait of the commissioner's real horse

 Breyer Classic QH in blue roan sabino