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It’s a long story as to why I need to have the black unicorn (and pegasus which is in the works) families. Im on a truncated time table too but wont go into personal details to bore you.
My main questions for you wonderful PYO talents out there are:
1. When you did your first PYO or repaint of a normal piece, what were the first main problems you encountered and would do differently?
2. Any big NO NOs I should know about before beginning anything?
3. Im going to be repainting the large white unicorn sitting on his haunches from white to black. What is the best “black” brand color name and/or number I should get (hopefully from Michaels because that’s near me and Ive no idea where else to go)?
4. What is the name of the “primer” Im going to need to coat this original piece in before I begin the repaint?
5. What is the stuff used to coat/cover the eyes or parts of the statue that you dont accidently want to get paint on?
6. Due to my health, my hands arent as steady as they were all my life but other than that, are there any tricks you guys can let me in on that might help me when trying my hand at the actual PYOs as well as this first repaint?
*Anything else you can think of to share here would be most helpful. Feel free to go off on tangents and share stories galore. There is a lot to read on this site and Im doing my best as my eyes allow. So, if stuff like this has been covered (as Im sure it has), Im sorry to have repeated it. It just takes a lot out of my eyes to read on the computer these days. But I’ll try to get to as many threads as I can to read all about the knowledge everyone has imparted.
Thanks!
*~PT~*well if your talking micheals and not much money,go with the delta craft paints they have high pigment at a low cost,the eyes some use masking fluid,some use masking tape,im not sure on a re-paint never done one but im sure someone who has will chime in 🙂
Generally they prefer us to discuss repainting elsewhere, since it’s not encouraged by the company. (Legal, and okay to do, just not encouraged.)
Anyhow, that said I’ve done a few. So! Stuff:
1. I don’t think there’s anything about my very first that I’d do differently. (And yes, it was a repaint, it was before there was such a thing as a PYO.) I suppose I might have not used spray gloss and used a brush coat instead, as I now prefer brush on sealant, but that’s about it.
2. I can’t think of any big no-nos right off. It’s easy enough to paint over mistakes, and if the paint gets to thick you can always strip it and start over.
3. Paint brand doesn’t really matter, though I swear by both Golden brand paints, and the Reaper brand miniatures paints I use. YOu may want to avoid the very cheapest brand they have, and you’ll want to get something that’s flows, rather than the thick kind that comes in tubes. Get an acrylic, not an oil paint, is about the only requirement. (Nobody’s done oil yet that I know of, but I suspect it and the gypsum wouldn’t get along.)
4. Gesso is what I use if I’m priming a PYO white, but on repaints I don’t actually prime, I just only strip off the gloss coat, I leave most of the actual paint on, and it makes a perfectly fine base to start with. Also, plain old acrylic paint makes a fine primer, especially if you’re painting a dark color and don’t want white under it. You just paint one coat in a single, basic color, then go over with the details in the second coat.
5. That’s called masking fluid.
6. My hands shake too! Generally I rest the pinky of my painting hand against the statue to steady it as I paint. I just have to go slow and pay attention, and sometimes I have to go back and touch up spots where I slipped a little.
The only other thing I have to mention is stripping paint. I use either alcohol or acetone to strip the original coat. I don’t take it off all the way, I just remove the top layer so that there’s no longer a glossy shine on it, as it’s very hard to paint over a slick, glossy surface. Just get some cotton balls and some rubbing alcohol and rub until you can see it going dull.
Whoops! I didnt know about the repaint rule and certainly didnt mean to offend anyone. Ive spent years upon years trying to find (and afford on the very few occasions I have) the black unicorn family (save for the sitting male which Ive always had). Believe me, if I could send Melody my white unicorn sitting on his haunches for her to repaint, Id certainly pay her fee! But I know she doesnt do that. And due to the reason of why the black unicorns & pegasus’ are so important to me (I have no problem sharing so should anyone want to know, feel free to PM but I won’t share here b/c some may not want to read about it), Ive had to finally resort to this final stage which is a repaint as I am running out of time. Otherwise, Id continue searching. Or even hope that theyd bring some sort of black unicorns back for a Limited Edition like theyre doing for the Black Pegasus Family. But I just dont have that kind of time (and it has nothing to do with patience).
To both of you, thank you guys so much for your helpful insights about the paints and such so far. I hope to hear more about ppl’s experiences with their PYOs, their success and bloopers. I use to have steady hands it was awesome. But only one of the things I suffer from at this point is Parkinsons. Tremors & other dexterity issues make painting difficult. But I will not give in and will soldier on with this particular plan. Additionally, before I “move on”, I plan to purchase at least one of each of the PYOs and to something very cool with each of them. Mom & I (we’re close; and she’s a crafty devil!) had always done ceramics together so we have painted pieces everywhere. She’s bringing over the arsenal of brushes and tools tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the superb advice- truly. In closing, I hope I havent offended anyone with talk of repaints. For me I dont find the desire or need to do so with any of the Windstones save for the very ones I was just discussing and for a very specific reason. Otherwise I’d just buy PYOs over, again & more until I went even further broke! For example, instead of repainting my white female unicorn, I’ll buy the PYO and paint it black. I will say though that since I was able to purchase the Limited Black Mother Pegasus, I wouldnt dream of repainting my white mother pegasus… thats how it works for me. Repainting is my last resort for I love Windstones as they are. Sorry if I stepped on any toes, paws or talons or ruffled any feathers or wings. 🙂
SPark wrote:2. I can’t think of any big no-nos right off. It’s easy enough to paint over mistakes, and if the paint gets to thick you can always strip it and start over.
Other than not to copy/duplicate Windstone’s color patterns. And if you do a repaint make sure you sign the bottom “repainted by”. It will help later if the piece gets sold and its authenticity is questioned.
Welcome to the Forum, PhoenixTears! I have no painting advice, as my pyos are mostly sitting around unfinished. lol I would like to say that if you feel like sharing/venting here, feel free to do so, in the Community section. Lots of people here share their highs and lows. Nobody tells them they are boring, etc. This is really a wonderful and supportive group of people, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
My main questions for you wonderful PYO talents out there are:
1. When you did your first PYO or repaint of a normal piece, what were the first main problems you encountered and would do differently?:I didnt do enough coats. The gypsum soaks up the paint so, while it looked coated to me, when it dried, it had white spots.
2. Any big NO NOs I should know about before beginning anything?
Do not copy a Windstone color. (ie: Making a white unicorn into a black unicorn is not allowed.)
3. Im going to be repainting the large white unicorn sitting on his haunches from white to black. What is the best “black” brand color name and/or number I should get (hopefully from Michaels because that’s near me and Ive no idea where else to go)?:
Uh… cant do that. Its illigal. Golden Brand paint is what Windstone uses, though, and it is really good.
4. What is the name of the “primer” Im going to need to coat this original piece in before I begin the repaint?:
I dont use primer, so I cant help you there.
5. What is the stuff used to coat/cover the eyes or parts of the statue that you dont accidently want to get paint on?
Masking fluid… As SPark said. 🙂
6. Due to my health, my hands arent as steady as they were all my life but other than that, are there any tricks you guys can let me in on that might help me when trying my hand at the actual PYOs as well as this first repaint?
Take breaks and rest your hand on the table when painting. 🙂
Anything else you can think of to share here would be most helpful.:
have fun with it! Practice, too. That helps. Welcome to the forums!!
No worries- 😀
Let me explain…
I move repainted pieces that folks post here because we do not want anyone to be confused about what is a PYO piece and what is not. The problem came up (elsewhere, not on this forum) that some newcomers to Windstone (or even just those that haven’t been here and seen what is going on) were thinking that Windstone was selling ‘blank’ or naked statues of their production line for people to paint. I know it sounds kinda petty, but if that is too much of an issue it can really lower the perceived value of the unique, and limited production pieces. I know it sounds silly but Windstone has to protect their business as much as possible. So to prevent confusion, at least on this official forum, about what is a PYO and what is not, repaints do not belong in the PYO forum please. 🙂
Since this is mostly just basic painting help, I’ll leave it here (unless someone higher up asks me to move it). Again, Windstone really does discourage repaints, but I understand that they will still happen. Please just make sure that if you ever plan to sell, take a commission for, or even publish (YES, posting a photo online IS considered publishing!) the repaint, that it be clearly marked on the bottom as a repaint, but more importantly, and legally, it can bear no resemblance to a Windstone paint scheme.
Thanks guys. 🙂
Volunteer mod- I'm here to help! Email me for the best response: nambroth at gmail.com
My art: featherdust.comPhoenixTears wrote:3. Im going to be repainting the large white unicorn sitting on his haunches from white to black. What is the best “black” brand color name and/or number I should get (hopefully from Michaels because that’s near me and Ive no idea where else to go)?
This is a real grey area. If you are going to paint him to look just like a black Windstone unicorn it could be a problem. Of course his stones would be a different color but to paint him to look just like an existing Windstone would be a violation of their trade dress as far as I know. Now, I realize that you probably intend to keep him as it sounds like he is very important to you. The police aren’t going to come beating at your door if you secretly have a repainted unicorn. 😆 If he ever was put on the market, or even published, though- that’s a big problem.
But, why not just purchase a black one? Or maybe even trade for him? I know they are uncommon, but if he is very important to you, I know the forum members here would help you try to find one quickly. They are a really great group and have done this for many others in the past. 🙂 Just food for thought!
Volunteer mod- I'm here to help! Email me for the best response: nambroth at gmail.com
My art: featherdust.comNambroth wrote:Please just make sure that if you ever plan to sell, take a commission for, or even publish (YES, posting a photo online IS considered publishing!) the repaint, that it be clearly marked on the bottom as a repaint, but more importantly, and legally, it can bear no resemblance to a Windstone paint scheme.
I understand exactly what youre saying but to be clear, any of the black unicorns (in any form) and black pegasi will never be sold or photographed. I’ll just be blunt and come out with it, whether ppl think Im nuts or not- Ive nothing to lose. Im quite sick with several terminal illnesses. Been so for some time. Yes, docs can be wrong but we have known the situation and I have beaten the odds for awhile. However, this year has taken a severe and drastic turn with them telling me to get my final expenses and such in order (all my money goes to medical which is why I have to sell off my other beloved Windstones which breaks me up inside). The family and I know Im looking at less than a year.
Mom and I are very close and very spiritual. Weve had a long standing plan that if theres an afterlife (which I believe in), that we’d send the other a sign… a black unicorn or pegasus. Black because theyre unique and not common like the whites. The “sign” would be seeing one out of the blue in an unusual place (not just looking at the statues). But the Windstones do exemplify this connection. Hence, the black unicorn and pegasi families will encircle my own urn on my mother’s baker’s rack, most likely some time next year, when my time comes. They will serve as my “guardians” so to speak. That is how much I love Windstones and Melody’s work, what they mean to me, why Im on a truncated time table; why money is so tight and why Id even consider the sad lengths of a repaint. With all my heart I can promise, repaint (which would never look like a Windstone), PYOs, or originals, those pieces will never -EVER- be sold (and should they be repaints, NEVER photographed. This is a personal quest; not like any PYOs I might do which Id be more than happy to share). All I have is my word. Anyone that knows me knows it’s gold. Id even sign something if you wanted me to- seriously.
Im jaded due to other internet boards and expect an onslaught of smacks in the face about this post but again, Ive nothing to lose. I just wanted to get across that in no way am I trying to rip off Melody or recreate her work for any kind of profit or plan at all, to try to resell those pieces. Sorry if this brought anyone down or disgusted you- it was not my intention. Im an OK with all of this and have accepted everything. I am just trying to tie up things that Ive been tryng to naturally do for years. I have just been put on a suddenly shorter time table now and been given the “heads up” that so many do not get.
Bottomline… I understand the copyright laws and should these pieces come into my possession in anyway, they arent going anywhere. I didnt mean to stir up so much controversy here and do apologize to Melody as well as other Windstone staff if they thought I was out for any kind of profit.
Most Sincerely,
~*PT*~PhoenixTears wrote:Bottomline… I understand the copyright laws and should these pieces come into my possession in anyway, they arent going anywhere. I didnt mean to stir up so much controversy here and do apologize to Melody as well as other Windstone staff if they thought I was out for any kind of profit.
Most Sincerely,
~*PT*~[/color]Not at all- no controversy. Part of my ‘job’ with Windstone is to help folks understand the copyright parts of things (well, as best I can without actually offering legal tidbits). You’ve made it clear that you are doing what you are doing for personal reasons- and you should do what you feel you need to. In that way I think that the unicorn will be even more personal since it’ll be painted by you and have your touch to it. I wish you the best of luck in that! In no way was I trying to berate you, we only hope to help educate. Genuinely, you have my best wishes in your endeavors.
I’m very sorry to hear of your condition. I genuinely hope that you can prove to be an exception to the rule. One thing about this forum is that nearly all the members are very caring and supportive- we are here for you!Volunteer mod- I'm here to help! Email me for the best response: nambroth at gmail.com
My art: featherdust.comNambroth wrote:In no way was I trying to berate you, we only hope to help educate.
I know you meant nothing personal and you didnt single me out. I just wanted to drive home that in no way was this going to be anywhere near a resale or profit venture, or anything close to it. I guess I just shared my story because Id gotten enough PMs asking me what was up that it was easier to explain – which I didnt mind either way. I just didnt want to bring anyone down as I know this is the wrong forum to vent. It did start out as the unicorn topic though.
But I believe we have an understanding. I hold Melody and her work and fellow artists at Windstone with the utmost respect and Id never dream of encroaching on her territory or work. As a graphic designer and photographer, I know what it’s like to have work ripped off so I wouldnt do it to those I didnt like let alone to those I hold in high regard! With no word of a lie or embellishment, those pieces that come into my hands that become part of “The Guardian Collection” as they have been coined by my family- they quite literally have the next 75+ years of their existance planned out as my family is tight knit and we all know whom is looking after who when each passes on.
As far as my repainting anything to look anything like Melody’s work… yea, I WISH I could have that talent in my little finger! It’ll never happen and though I’ll try to make it nice, I wont be upset if it comes out just a solid black… even the PYO (tho Im looking forward to that one having the awesome blue eyes). Oh it’s been too long a day; time for bed. Everyone have a nice weekend and those of you in eBay auctions, good luck. Some of you have incredible work up there. Im impressed… and drooling… but in a good way for a change!
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