Lion / Zebra both mounted

[sgwool]

1+ catman.........Nice job RCB.  There are very few pieces, if any, that you look back on and say, that's perfect.  I am sure RCB sees things he wishes he'd done. 

[catman]

 He gave everyone a chance to give input throughout the alteration process. I wasn't trying to get on anybody, but if you wanted to see some changes in pose now is not the best time to give input. When something could have been done to improve the pose would have been a better time to share ideas. That's all I was getting at. I shared some of my opinions about the piece in a pm to Randy BEFORE the skin was stretched. He has a great attitude and I am sure will learn a lot from the whole experience.

[AndyO]

I see what you're saying now and I apologize. Didn't realize there was a different post on his alterations.

[mgrogers]

There are only three breeds of zebra in existence in the world.  The Plains Zebra, the Mountain zebra and the Grevy's Zebra.  There are a number of subspecies under the main species.  If you check out this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra you can click on each species and subspecies.  Both the mountain zebra and the Grevy's zebra have white under bellies.  The Grevy's zebra has narrower stripes.  Thought I'd share a little knowledge.  Hope you enjoy.
Genus: Equus
Subgenus: Hippotigris
    Plains Zebra, Equus quagga
        Quagga, Equus quagga quagga (extinct)
        Burchell's Zebra, Equus quagga burchellii (includes Damara Zebra)
        Grant's Zebra, Equus quagga boehmi
        Selous' zebra, Equus quagga borensis
        Chapman's Zebra, Equus quagga chapmani
        Crawshay's Zebra, Equus quagga crawshayi
    Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra
        Cape Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra zebra
        Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra hartmannae
Subgenus: Dolichohippus
    Grevy's Zebra, Equus grevyi

[mr.T aka mr. friendly]

So I guess I can't say what I want to about the mount, because feeling would get hurt?

[John Bellucci]

Sat what you want about whatever species the Zebra is, but the individual mounts are put together well. I am still not a fan of that much rib definition on the lion.

Well now ...

I guess somebody is gonna have to break it to this live lion, that you're not a fan of that much rib definition. 

There is nothing wrong with defining the rib structure on a mount, sculpture, drawing or painting.  I think I can say that with some authority ... I mean, I wrote the book. 

Also, notice the overall structure of the lion mount, as the lion in the photo ... they are both a little lean in their hindquarters.  I applaud Randy for taking the time to make the mannikin fit the skin, and not the other way around!  And for a first attempt ... BRAVO!

In the first place, he started out with a fine Zebra mannikin ... I mean sculpted by Joe Kish ... damn good choice!  And all the work that went into its alterations?  Well done, Randy.  What I see are things that could have been aided by the use of good references.  The base of the Zebra's ears, the lip line of the lion, and other smaller "details" that would have helped from reference use.

As for the pose and interaction of the two animals ... that will come as your skills increase.  "My advice ... start drinking heavily" ... sorry, I got lost in "Animal House" there for a moment!  Really, I would advise you, or anyone to watch any of the myriad of tapes or DVD's out there pertaining to African wildlife.  National Geographic has many, many videos and DVD's, as does Animal Planet.  Just go to their websites, and then to their online stores.  There are always the obligatory scenes of lions chasing down and catching some poor slob prey animal or another.  Watching these scenes will develop in you, a greater sense of the natural actions of both predator and prey animals, and how they interact with each other.

I don't know if you own the book I wrote: "The Breakthrough -- Art Of The Big Cat Manual" ... but if you don't and you want more insight into mounting the big cats, and any large lifesize animal really, this book will help you a lot!

So, Randy, keep on truckin' and best of luck to you!

John.