[Mark N. Akers]

Great job on the ornament and the Santa,keep up the fantastic job.

[wood-whittler]

blake,

good work i like them both

bart

[Blake Lunsford]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I really appreciate the feedback! In finishing these carvings, I painted everything that was going to be a solid color first. In this case it was only the top of the elf ornament. After it dried I dipped them both in Boiled Linseed Oil. I used thinned acrylic washes on both carvings, making sure that the paint was transparent. I used a medium flesh wash on the face and eye area, and tomato spice to add blush to the cheeks, nose, and above the eyes. I then added a Burnt Umber wash to all the deep areas to help add shadow and antiquing. After the paint dried I sprayed with deft spray.

I hope this helps! I'm still working on my painting technique but am pleased with the way these turned out. Oh yeah, I actually had the chance to take Wayne's class down at the Woodcraft store right in his back door in Knoxville, TN. I know he has several classess lined up for 2007 if you get a chance to take one!

Thanks again for taking a look!
Blake