Porgies are in the family of Sparidae and genus of Calamus, which includes 13 different porgies. Our pretty porgy we are going to paint is a whitebone/chocolate (chip) porgy. Calamus Leucosteus is the scientific name of this pretty critter that we caught so many of that day on the Mattanza. Related to sheepsheads and other porgies, they all have similar teeth in their...

Animal Magnetism, by Don Frank: "The way that a fish or animal is attached to a base can make or break a composition. Too many fish in competitions are attached to the habitat with a screw through the belly or backside simply because it’s quick and easy. A clump of moss is often added to try to disguise the poor attachment and just makes the clunky attachment look...

Photo Reference Study—Nilgai (or Blue Bull), by Larry Blomquist: "Nilgais are native to the Indian subcontinent. They are the largest of the Asian antelopes, with mature males weighing over 600 pounds. Nilgais, which are often referred to as blue bulls, were introduced to Texas during the 1920s and 1930s, and as of 2008, the feral population was nearly...

 I Love a Good Connection, by Kurt Ainsworth: "In this article I will explain a great way to securely attach a whitetail deer shoulder mount to a pedestal. A good solid connection to a base is paramount to quality taxidermy. Nuts and bolts are too cumbersome and metal rods and tubing are too loose and corrode in time. I’ve always thought there must be a better...