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Descriptions are followed by details about:
Carvings |
The
most popular type of
carving is a half-body model like the one pictured here. For examples
of my work, see Recent Works. Or, use the
Index to find examples of a particular
species. Other options are a 2/3rds-body model on a plaque or a full-body
tabletop model. Most models are carved out of basswood and painted with
artists' oils. The carving is mounted on a plaque, which is hand-lettered
with either gold leaf or a coordinating color. To learn how a carving
comes to be - click here.
Portraits
Portraits are painted in the
Trompe L'Oeil tradition of Dhuie Tully, the daughter of John Russell,
the father of the modern day tradition of trophy fish models. You can
read more about the Russells and the Tullys in a Brief
History of Trophy Fish Models.
Each
portrait is hand painted on a wooden plaque and framed in a fashion
that is suitable to the size of the piece. A hand-lettered legend, like
the ones found on most half-body carvings, is a very nice touch.
.
1) I need details of the fish: species, length and girth (if available) and a respectable photo or two. If you do not have photos, tell me from which body of water you pulled the beast (and hopefully returned it), and at what time of the year, and I can match the description with photos from my library.
2)Do you have a preference for a plaque - cherry, mahogany, etc. or, would you like me to choose the best wood for the piece?
3)
Do you have a preference for finish - antique, matte, satin or semi-gloss?
4) I also would like to have in writing what you would like to have
lettered on your plaque. The traditional legend is usually: size of
fish (pounds) - River - Date - and some version of the angler's name
or initials.
Each piece is unique in many ways and thus requires a custom quote.
Carvings: Traditional ½-body carvings start at $1100. A trophy fish up to 17" in length with plaque and lettering is $1200. The cost goes up from there depending on size and species. Most ½ body models fall into the $1200 - $4000 range.
Portraits:
In the range of $450 to $2000 - or approximately half of the cost of
a trophy carving.
Carvings and Portraits: Currently, it would be reasonable to expect your carving in 12 -18 months. (The nature of what I do makes lead-time a hard thing to judge. Each piece is custom and personal for both you and me. I am out to create an heirloom for you, which requires time and lots of energy.)
Shipping
Shipping charges will appear on your final invoice. For most orders, I ship UPS ground service. If shipping west of the Rockies and the piece is rather large or fragile, I will use an expedited service (Fedex 2 or 3 day) as any time longer in transit courts disaster. Also, if a custom crate is require (for a 1/2 body model west of the Rockies or something else terribly large or fragile) I will charge you a reasonable crating fee.