I recently mounted a coyote pedestal to take to the Piedmont mini course next month, and just wanted to get some opinions on it. Any noticeable flaws or tips anyone would like to give me? The coyote has not had any finish work applied yet (I used an artificial nose and haven't painted and blended it in yet). But I just wanted a basic idea on whether or not I was headed in the right direction.. copy and past these links to see the pics:
http://www.amystaxidermy.com/compcoyote1.jpg
http://www.amystaxidermy.com/compcoyote2.jpg
http://www.amystaxidermy.com/compcoyote3.jpg
Thanks in advance for your opinions ! Also, if anyone has any good ideas for a base/habitat to put it on, let me know. I want to do something unique and original and just haven't quite decided yet.
Amy Ritchie
www.AmysTaxidermy.com
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the eyes and the ears of the coyote look good from the pictures that you posted. im just curious what kind of look were you trying to acheive with the coyote? i noticed that the front teeth and the main k-9's are showing. is it an aggressive look? if so, what i really feel is that the upper lips should be lifted up a bit more with some wrinkles up above. it just seems like that the mount is to relaxed. then all of a sudden, BAM that teeth are showing. but that is just my opinion. but like i said, everything else seems to look good!
orions hunting adventures & taxidermy service
with Orion on the expression of the animal, not really sure what it is. You did a great job on the ears tho. Eyes are ok but are expressionless. Keep up the good work and you'll be winning all the comps.
Mark
Amy,
First of all that is a very good mount. You should do well with it.
I sorta agree with the others. The ears look real good, and I think the eyes match to mood of the coyote. I think it is a judgement call on the position of the lip and wrinkle above. It looks to me like it is in a submissive pose,reacting to a dominate pack member. AT least that is what I see in photo #2. It's almost a fearful look in the eyes. If all the technical things are good you will score high. And I don't doubt that you used good reference. (I would be interested to know if the look I see is what you intended)
i believe the inside base of the ear is a little too far back and a little too wide - i always try to measure from the inside of eye to the inside of ear - eyes could use more expression and are probably a little too wide - better than good but not quite great - what do you expect from a girl? LOL
Gee, it is a pleasure to critique a "National Champions" work. You sure don't see that very often.
If you have a picture to back up your pose, you'll just fine with this mount. If not, you'll likely get slammed. I really liked what you did with the hair, and do a good job with giving it loft, and matching patterns.
The ears look OK. The nose does not match up well, because of what is happening below it with the lipline being incorrect. There should be some bunching of skin when a coyote exposes its teeth. The eyes may need more "brow", it depends...as I don't know what you were trying to express with this pose.
It doesn't look angry, nor really submissive. To me it sends conflicting messages. I'd give this piece no more than a low second place.
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and tips, they are most helpful. National Champion or not, no mount will ever be perfect and there's always room for improvement, and since everyone sees things differently I thought some of you might want to give me your ideas. Thanks very much to all of you.
I know what you all mean about the expression, "What is it exactly"? I am not trying to show agression, more of a submissive pose. It seems like all the photos I could find of coyotes were either closed mouth, or howling/wide open mouth photos so I could not find exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to show just a little bit of teeth, as if the coyote was relaxed and just getting ready to open it's mouth. I may have not gotten everything right (I believe I need to bring the bottom lip up a little bit) but I don't think the expression is entirely incorrect. Also, since taking the pictures I have adjusted the eyes to bring the brow down just a little. At any rate, I will try to put together some photos to back it up to the judge.
Again, thanks again for the help! This will be my first time going to Piedmont and I can't wait!
Amy Ritchie