Santa Snack and a Smile

[Mottles]

Nice little santa, and I really like the facial expression and good on the paint too!
Kathy

[DADDIO]

sounds like you,have seen things yourself for improvement,the side holding the sack looks more natural than the one with the cookie,maybe even if it was a slight bend in it,it would break the straight line up and i would add some folds and wrinkles in the clothes. adding movement is tough or it is for me too,i have a piece i'm trying to add an arm to like lynn does and having a heck of a time getting it right. all this said is not to take away from it,

i like the carving and the idea,and think you did a great job pulling it off,like your painting also.and please take the advice as it was given,to be helpful because that's how it's given,i love getting suggestions cause it can really alter your carvings sometimes and the suggestions i've always been given have always made me take another look at the carving and go....hhhmmm yea i see that now!! keep up the great work you have a very nice carving there....and UPS does deliver to mississippi!!

[sludgeguy]

Thanks Daddio!

That's the kind of input I'm looking for. I see what you mean about the cookie side, I should of cut it off at the elbow and bent it a little more.

I've always struggled with movement in a carving, I've been settling for anticipated movement. (Like a mouse in the middle of a bite, chipmunk holding a nut, etc) I've been watching Doris' Autumn project and seeing how she does it. I have a lot to learn.

I do appreciate the compliments too.
Thanks
Doug

[jillsy]

ooooo! He's FUN!!!

I gotta learn how to carve like that. I love the way the jacket come off his body, not just carved right onto it (the only way I know how to carve it).

Sludgey, I just got your pm and pm'd you back.

Jillsy

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Doug, thats a great santa and a great job, what I really like is that he is different from most santas that you see.

Dave

[wood2carve]

Doug, I agree with the issue with the cookie arm, but I think another issue with it is that the shoulder on that side is significantly lower (look at it from the back view). Since the shoulder is sloped downward there isn't much arm length left to make the proper bend at the elbow .

I also agree with the postive comments about the separation of the coat from the body.

All in all a very nice Santa!

[sludgeguy]

Thanks Jillsy and Dave for the kind comments.
Jim, I see what you mean, I think that the collar threw me off too.
I think I should hve kept my lines on him for symetry a little longer.
Thanks for the help! Thank you for the compliment too.
Just the kind of input I was hoping for!
Thanks,
Doug