What’s it take?

[siogreen]

I have wanted to get into taxidermy but always talked myself out of it because I have never had an artistic side. I have been skinning and fleshing mammals as a trapper for years. I have signed up for a class at our local collage. In most cases does the art of making the animal look natural come with time? I have a 63 Lbs. beaver I would love to use for a life-sized mount. I’m sure this is a VERY big task for a first project. But I figure if I have the help from a good instructor it can be done. I haven’t been on the forum long so I’m still reading all the useful information I have found. I’m having a hard time finding a video on mounting a beaver. If anyone has any links to help me out I would be thankful.

[BillinSouthernPA]

My first was a beaver and it turned pretty good for my first..   As I'm sure you know they are greasy critters and the fat melts at body temp.  It's a real mess.   other then that the thick coat and round fat body make it pretty easy to mount. (and hide mistakes).     Good luck!

[jockamoe]

The term "Artist" is really over used everywhere, IMO. I prefer the word aptitude. Mechanical Aptitude.
 My first Deer mount was a 3/4 life size leaping Buck. It came out pretty good.  My mechanical aptitude got me through the process of that fairly complicated mount not my artistic abilities.
what I have learned is that it takes a good foundation of knowledge to produce a quality mount. You need to know how to thin a hide and Tan and prep. and measure.
On and on the list goes . But if you complete all of those tasks properly and have the" stick to it ability" that is required you should be able to produce a fine mount.
So much of a quality mount is in the prep work, the mechanics of the job. Tucking the lips, eyes and nose is pretty much all that is left to do.
All of the artsy stuff has basic rules to follow you hear them discused here all the time. Ear butt shape, position, Eye shape. on and on.
Their are rules to follow and it requires knowledge and mechanical aptitude much more than artistic ability to produce quality mounts.
You really do not have the freedom to be expressive or interpert as an artist does. you will be critiqued on your ability to follow the rules.
reference, reference,reference,

[mr.T aka mr. friendly]

You do not need to be artistic to do taxidermy, 75% of taxidermist in business today have zero training past the first video that they borrowed, let alone any talent.

[Ted Befus]

You do not need to be artistic to do taxidermy, 75% of taxidermist in business today have zero training past the first video that they borrowed, let alone any talent.

That shows itself to be pretty accurate on a regular basis.  There is some very sub par work put out that people think is great.

As far as reference goes, there are a bunch of people have no idea how to really use reference properly.

[GregC424]

You do not need to be artistic to do taxidermy, 75% of taxidermist in business today have zero training past the first video that they borrowed, let alone any talent.

LMAO I think Mr. Blunt fit better

[siogreen]

Thanks for the replies and the encouragement. I have fleshed 50 or so beavers and know they can be some greasy backbreakers. I will be sure to share some pictures good or bad around the middle of march.

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