Just a beginner please critique!

[cjtaxidermy]

Hi Im fifteen and have done a few ducks I just want to know if im on the right track, please give me advice, also Ive been using oil paints is that ok?

[CrabCrazy]

head and neck look like they are in a sitting position....better then mine at age 15

[JP a.k.a Taxi-lover]

Very good for a first but like Crab said neck position is little of for that pose...

[Ginger2000]

ALOT better than my first that's for sure!

[Ted]

LOoks great for a newbie.  The wing feathers close to the body should be pulled up and cove the legs.  They sould be pulled up at the base.  Also, measure the distance between the shoulders and carve out the form to get the shoulder sockets closer together.  You will also have to carve out some of the chest of the form if the wings are down or the shoulders will pull apart.  You cn also cut off the ball of the shoulder joint to compensate for the fact that the forms are usually too wide at the shoulder sockets.   They mak them too wide because they would not be able to get the bodies out of the forms.

[John Helm]

Not bad.  Here are some reference photos of a mallard in flight which will help you on your next one.

[cjtaxidermy]

Hey thanks guys for all the comments, I know the form wasnt the best but I wrapp my own bodies, that was my fourth mount and im not sure how i like wrapping bodies but it seems to easier each time i wrapp one, thanks for refrence pics all i found was off google search. I have another question though for a standing duck do you wire the wings the same as a flying mount? and is it ok to use oil paints and whats the down side to using them? thanks for all tips.

[Gwamp from the Swamp]

you don’t have to wire the wings although on larger birds such as mallards I only wire the outer end or humorous with about a 14 or 16 ga wire. use tie wraps on string to secure and place the wire through the body as usual for suport and symmetry. You can use oil paints but I use an air brush for better control and more natural look

[cjtaxidermy]

Hey thanks for answering my questions the oil paints were temporary ill be getting an air brush soon. thanks for all comments i really needed some advice thanks.