WhiteTail, Mule Deer
Art Mounts
by Bridget Langdale, Artisan Taxidermist
Facts & Questions About Artisan Taxidermy
Who is the customer?
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A hunter looking for a unique & different way to showcase antlers.
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Restoring an old mount damaged from time.
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Changing European Mount into a Shoulder Mount.
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Remounting an existing mount so that non-hunters won't get upset.
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Benefit to customer?
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Shorter turnaround time, than typical traditional taxidermy.
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Can adjust coloring from dark to light to better fit with existing decor.
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Artist can use photos from client to adjust white patches around eyes & on throat.
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Listen to client. Ongoing communication during the process.
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Non-offensive to the non-hunter.
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Great to have in business, office, commercial property.
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From a distance looks like a typical taxidermy mount/up close its seen as a work of art.
Art in Taxidermy
Combining my love of art, hunting and Texas, I focus on creating the finest possible look for your mount that you and your family/friends will enjoy. You the sportsman will receive the attention of a sculptor plus knowledge of White Tail Deer. Working closely with a retired TPWD white tail deer specialist/friend, Bridget verifies her work is accurate.
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NO CAPES…Bridget does not use a cape, which means no skin, no hair.
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PROCESS: Antlers/horns are attached to foam form along with eyes, ears, & eyelids. The anatomically accurate form is then covered with a texture when is later painted realistically. This offers less fading of colors, less dust, easier to clean, softer eyes, & relaxed positioning of ears.
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RESTORATION of old mounts.
My personal goal is to put the skill of an artist/sculptor into each piece to showcase your hunting experience and memory.
Steps of the Process
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Harvest deer, Old mount or European skull
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Provide Photos: Front, Back, Left, Right of a harvest Deer or a ​Picture of how you want Deer to look
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Cut skull cap (see instruction sheet) or bring old mount/skull with antlers to Bridget
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Call Bridget to confirm order. Discuss direction of form which will be purchased.
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Antlers/skull cap attached to foam form. Tips are repaired if needed.
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Coloring/stain of antlers evaluated.
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Plastic Ears and Glass Eyes are attached. Clay work is done around these areas, plus the tear duct and mouth area.
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Up until this point all work is like a regular taxidermist. There will be no cape/skin/hair attached later to hide any imperfections. Therefore, all work needs to be worked at a higher perfection level.
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Surfaces is prepared. Texture put on. Dried and ready for painting.
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Detail painting work begins. The artist is starting with a blank white surface, such as a canvas; although this canvas is in the form of a deer.
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Step by step communication with client for adjustments
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Sealant for UV protection.