|
|
Wooden Decoys
Capt. Ross handcarves each decoy from either juniper (white
cedar) or white pine. Most feature light, hollow bodies with
wooden heads. Occassionally, depending on
the situation under which a block will be used, a wooden keel may be
added. Some feature solid bodies which are heavier for riding in
rough open water (mainly diving and sea ducks upon request). Head
positions and postures vary and make each decoy truly a one-of-a-kind
carving!
P.G. handpaints all of his decoys with oil paints (using only
brushes). This results in a carving with deep rich colors
that will develop a fine patina over the years. He paints
decoys in the gunning tradition that utilizes an "impressionistic" style
that strays from detailing each individual feather,
but instead uses techniques to simulate the overall look of the feather patterns.
Decoys are weighted to be self-righting and include a leather strap
for rigging an anchor line.
|
|
| drake surf scoter
hollow juniper (2004)
|
| drake black duck
hollow white pine (2007)
|
|
|
| Cork Decoys
These blocks feature tan "Chesapeake cork" for the body
with a wooden head, keel and tail insert. Keels are connected through
the body to the head and tail insert via galvanized lag screws. Additonally,
these parts are epoxied to the cork. This produces a solid and
tough hunting decoy.
The same painting methods are used as described for wooden bodied
decoys. Exceptions include black ducks and hen scoters whose bodies
are scorched using a propane torch which leaves a dark chocolate finish
that is completely flat.
Decoys are weighted to be self-righting.
"I prefer to make my cork hunting decoys with thick, tough
bills and necks and use oil paints which make these birds
durable during tough use and very capable of tolling
in the fowl."
|
|
| drake black duck "scratch painted"
head, cork (2003)
|
| drake mallard
cork (2002)
|
|
