To rely solely upon any ONE pattern is
dangerous, remember these are all ARTIST'S RENDITIONS and are subject to
discrepancies. I draw my own patterns using photos, video, and the actual
specimen.
Even Pat Godin's & Jim Sprankle patterns, I
have to say, are not always accurate. Pat Godin has told many carvers that
his patterns are not really made for you to copy EXACTLY! They should be a
guide or reference to your own patterns.
As a judge at many competitions over the
years, it is very common to see in the NOVICE level, CLASS BIRDS where
there are say, five of the same decoy, all the same pattern EXACTLY
because they all took a local class.
In the INTERMEDIATE level, it is common to
see birds that have OBVIOUSLY been carved using Godin or Sprankle
patterns. We as judges can spot them in a heartbeat, and we will give more
consideration to the carving that is uniquely different, than to those
from these WELL-KNOWN patterns or copies.
We even see these patterns in the OPEN
level, where this is against the rules!
What I do is this:
Gather as much reference as possible. This
includes, photos, video, patterns, books, study bills and castings,
reference measurements both printed, and my own.
For Duck Decoys, I will start first with
the measurements in the back of Bruce Burke's Gamebird Carving. Then I
measure up any existing patterns I can find. I usually have acquired a
FROZEN specimen and take my own measurements. If I can't get a FROZEN
specimen, I go to the Museum of Natural History at the University of
Minnesota and measure up a skin. If that's not available look for a
taxidermist or a breeder who will allow you to photograph LIVE specimens
or measure up some of his FROZEN specimens.
Beware of taxidermy mounts! These too are
artist's renditions and can be VERY wrong. Mounts are best used as
reference for feather shape, basic feather layout and feather coloration.
Again, never use a mount as your only reference. Also, plumage can vary so
much, and it is necessary to determine if it's the NORM or if it is not.
This can be done through photos, video, and personal observation.
Check with your State Department of Natural
Resources (DNR here in Minnesota), and see if they have any frozen
specimens. This is an excellent source for protected birds like LOONS, and
SONGBIRDS, as these are turned in by citizens, and even confiscated from
poachers. This can lead to some very unusual species that aren't
necessarily in your region. I had access to a PUFFIN that was confiscated;
this was a real treat for me!
Armed with all of this reference material,
I develop a pattern. I have an idea in mind for the pose I want. If it's
REALLY complex, then I will make a clay model using Roma Plastina oil
based clay, because I can use it again and again.
If you are lucky you might find a pattern
from one of the CHAMPIONS like Pat Godin, Dennis Schroeder, or Jim
Sprankle, that is CLOSE to what you want. However, it is VERY important
that you use this only for a BASIS and not VERBATIM. Though these are all
good patterns, but they should be used as reference and not for your own
pattern.
It is those carvers who have taken the RISK
of their own pattern, and their own mistakes, that will dominate not only
the competition, but the sales market as well. This is because their work
is UNIQUE and not the SAME as the other guy's/gal's sitting on the table
next to them in competition, or on the other website they just looked at.
Speaking of web sites, here's a few that
may help you in your search for reference materials:
http://GodinArt.com
http://TheDuckBlind.com
http://StillerPatterns.com
http://Wildfowl-Carving.com
http://WildAboutFowl.com
http://WildfowlArt.com
Good Luck!
Sincerely,
LoonLady Laurie J. McNeil
