Artist Resin model horses are in a class unto themselves...partially beautiful works of art, partially children's toy models elevated to new heights, the resin model horse is in a class by itself! This article presents a brief overview of resin model horses; how they are made; and collecting guidelines.

Horse model collecting is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the USA and worldwide.  There are model horse collecting clubs in most continents.  Most collectors start by collecting plastic models, such as Breyer or Peter Stone model horses, but at some point in their collecting lives, the beauty of the resin model horse fires their imagination, and the plastic world pales by comparison.

What are Artist Resin Model Horses?

Artist Resin model horses are typically totally original models, sculpted by an artist, and released in very limited edition quantities by the artist or a company representing artists, such as EquinArt Creations Inc (Ebay seller ID: jeanneg99).   Urethane resin is the casting medium of choice for artist resins.   It picks up the tiniest details of the original sculpture, is usually lightweight, and is fairly inexpensive.

The process begin with the creation of an original sculpture.   Sculptors use wire frames, also called armatures, to mimic the skeleton of the horse.  Next, clay or other sculpting mediums are applied to the armature to create an original work of art.  Some artists also use wax and sculpt the form of the horse from the wax block itself.  Most artists show their works 'in progress' to fellow artists and collectors to gain constructive feedback on their work.  Horses are tricky to sculpt and draw, and using a camera or having other artists examine one's work is helpful to find anatomical flaws that may escape the artist's eye.   There are many great organizations and websites to help fledgling artists - RESS (Realistic Equine Sculpture Society) is one group that immediately springs to mind.  

Once the sculpture is final, the artist sends the original to casting company or casts the work on her own.  Casting begins with mold making.  For resin model horses, a rubber mold is created that picks up the beauty of the original horse. 

Casts are then made from the mold.  Roto-casting can create hollow casts, which are lightweight.  Solid resin casting is another option.  Traditional and Classic size models are best cast in hollow resin with wire reinforcements in the legs, because the heavy weight of a 10" tall horse model cast in solid resin can warp the legs over time.   Smaller horses are fine cast in solid resin.

Release Sizes

Artist Resins are cast in LE (limited edition) or OE (open edition).  A limited edition means that the number of copies of the work are finite, either determine by the mold itself or by a quantity set by the artist.   Many artists will limit their work to a number under 50 casts; molds typically wear out around 50 casts.   Others will simply specify it is a 'one mold run' and they stop production when the mold wears out.   An open edition means that the artist or company reserves the right to produce as many as consumers demand, either wihtin a specific time period (such as "An open edition for 2007") or for as long as the artist or company wishes to keep the model available.

Who makes resin model horses?

Resins can be made and sold by the individual artist, a casting company, or a major manufacturer.   Many hobbyists and artists create and sell their own works.  Some popular resin artists today whose work is highly desirable include Sarah Rose, Brigitte Eberl, Sheri Rhodes, Candace Liddy,  Deb Lermond, D'Arry Jone Frank, and others.    Many casting companies cast and sell work on behalf of artists or are owned by the artists themselves.  Resins by Randy and Mountain View Studios fall into this category.  EquinArt Creations provides professonal marketing services for artists, and subcontracts the casting for one-stop-shopping.   Companies in China and overseas often provide resin casting in varying quality.   Breyer and Peter Stone companies, very well known to model horse collectors, now offer resin casts, while many 'no name brand' sculptures are made of resin.  

But why are they all WHITE?

Most true Artists Resins, especially those sold by the artist andn by companies like EquinArt Creations, are sold UNPAINTED.    They are cast in a white urethane resin and then sanded, washed, and primed with automotive spray primer.  Next, artists finish the pieces with acrylics, oils or pastels.  Models can be airbrush painted or hand painted; the results are exquisite works of art.

How much is my resin worth?
Resin prices vary dramatically, so your best way to gauge value is to search Ebay auctions and watch the final selling prices for similar pieces for a while to get a feel for what your piece would sell for on auction.   Early resins and companies like Black Horse Ranch, and American based resin company, sell for under $100.  Smaller resins under 4" tall sell for under $100, some even when painted.  Large, Traditional size resins by well known artists such as Sarah Rose, painted by other artists, may fetch over $1,000.  

For more information...

Don't hesitate to search on resin model horses and look for model horse collecting information online.  Resin model horses can expand your love of the hobby and bridge your plastic Breyer collection into a fine art collection.   Collecting resins is like collecting fine wine; sample some, and you fall in love with the whole vintage.  

And some beautiful resins from EquinArt Creations

Amirah, above, is the same size as a Breyer Traditional size horse.   But you won't find an Arabian this detailed in plastic!  She was painted by Karen Zorn of Zorn Art Studios for EquinArt Creations.

"With A Twist" above, was sculpted by internationally reknowned artist Candace Liddy.  Candace Liddy also owns the patent on the interchangeable mane concept - one horse, two looks!  Painting on this horse is also by Karen Zorn of Zorn Art Studios.

Ballycor, above, is a Traditional sized Connemara pony resin.  She was sculpted and painted by Cathy Bercier- Choyce.  As you can see, Artist Resins span the world of fine art.  This resin was on the cover of the International Connemara Ssociety magazine!