Hey guys and gals. I am about to start on my first competition piece and would appreciate some advice on what to do and what not to do. What exactly are judges looking for. It is a toss up as to do a green winged teal drake or a wigeon drake. I have done over 200 birds, but most have been for customers, nothing like this yet.
Thanks in advance for the help and advice.
Phil
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If you are competing to meet the judges criteria, you are doomed to failure. Instead, mount the bird to match the live speciman, strive for realism. The best mount in a competition is recognized by any judge or viewer as being accurate in a high level, pleasing to look at, something that attracts your attention. Composition plays a part in this. But first and foremost has got to be accuracy. Details as well as basics. Dont worry too much about a judges style. Mount something well enough that even if its not HIS favorite, he still will evaluate it to be the better piece.
Your hands on a waterfowl score sheet through your association. This will also help along with your reference, reference, reference. Good luck.
Mark H.
I was in your shoes just a few years ago. Get your reference material. An old score sheet will help. Now a few specifics. You must not have any shrinkage in your feet. All airbrushed colors have to be accurate. Eyes have to be set correctly. Eye rings must be present. You must have anatomical correctness. Do all of these and you should be looking at a first place bird in professional. Good luck.
Make sure you have eyelids & nasal post. I'm sure it varies from judge to judge and state to state, but I used to get docked for not having both of those even in the professional division here in North Dakota!
My advice...Pick a species of bird that you do well! We all have types of birds that we do better than others. If you've never done a Oldsquaw before...Don't do it for the competition if you are looking to score...If you are just looking to learn...Than that's another story! And that is probably the most important part!
What is your trick for putting the nasal post back in? Do you carve it in when you drill out the nostrils or put it in after. I clicked the orange button but couldn't find much.
I don't do either very well, but I've tried them both...I think most guy's rebuild with apoxie sculpt! Good luck with your competition, I'm sure you will do great! (Get some new pic's on your site!) I'm working on a Widgeon and Green Winger this weekend for competition! Hope it all works out!
I just checked out your site again...Love the Wood Duck and resting Pintail...Nice work guy!
I have a lot of new pics that I am trying to get on there. My sister-in-law did my site for me and is in the middle of updating it now, but she now lives in New Zeland. I can't wait till I can save up the money and go visit them and shoot some shell ducks.