Each piece is the result of many hours of anatomical study. Dozens of photographs are scaled before the armature (wood, galvanized lath, and rebar) is prepared.

John at work on big cat armatures.

The legs are imbedded in a recessed 3½" reinforced concrete base. Then the animal is sculpted in a continuous application of high quality "8 bag" mix. A water reducer and an air entraining mixture are added to the mixing water for good density and freeze-thaw resistance. After a 12-14 hour period of application, the piece is sealed to keep the moisture in the cement and ensure good curing. The next day more details and texture are added while the piece is still green. The beauty and life are in the details.

The animals are painted with 3-4 coats of True-Value's Weatherall latex. This paint has been very highly rated by Consumer Reports. The latex is for the usual outdoor display. Artist's acrylics are used for pieces to be placed indoors. The acrylics tend to "balloon" with water when placed outdoors due to the tightness of the medium.

The base is covered with soil, leaves, pine needles, etc. for display. The animal then blends into its surroundings for a wonderful natural look.

These original sculptures add beauty and interest to any landscaping project. The workmanship and fine materials provide great durability, which has been demonstrated over many Central New York winters.

This roe deer is ready to be painted. If you prefer your sculpture to remain unpainted, there is an approximate 20% cost savings.