I have been thinking about doing a river otter for this years' competition, and finally decided I think I'll try a swimming pose. But as I though about it, I started wondering about something.. and I think it's a pretty good question.
When doing an otter in a "swimming" pose, to be correct for a competition, should the hair be slicked down like it's wet (as done by Chris Krueger with his swimming otters)? Or left to be dry and fluffy? I have seen these types of mounts done both ways and considering that the otter is suspended in air, perhaps both ways could be correct. But this is for COMPETITION, mind you.. not just an every day piece. So I want to get it right.
Basically, do you think a judge would take points off if the otter looked "dry"?
I'm very confused. I love the way otter fur feels when it is dry and would like to leave the mount that way, but not if it would be viewed as incorrect.
Amy
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Like fish that are usually finished wet even though depicted underwater, I suspect an otters hair would be "slicked" down if it were in motion and "fluffY" if sedentary, but then whoever saw a sedentary otter? LOL Get pictures, mount it accordingly, and leave the reference pictures beside your mount for the judges.
I've probably seen hundreds of otters in the wild, and have yet to EVER see one that's dry. Only once have they been more than a few feet from the water. They live in the water. I think wet would be the most natural looking.
I agree - you should go with the 'wet look'. I bet there is a way you can make is slick for the show - then wash off whatever you use forthe effect after you take it (and your ribbons :) ) home.
Juli
Do it the way YOU would prefer it!Personally I wouldn`t slick it down if it was mine!
What are ways of getting a good wet look that does not feel sticky? Thanks
I took an otter to Roxboro 2years ago (pics are on my website). I thought he should look wet because he had just come out of the water and had a fish in his mouth. So I moussed is fur down and yes Lost Points for doing so. I was told some judges like it others don't?