Instruction on Carving in the Round

[Paulgn108]

I just started carving at the start of this year. I took a class on Chip Carving and have done fairly well. I decided to try relief and in the round carving. I did several small reliefs and then did a Dragon in the round. I really like doing the Dragon (did it in Mahogany) so I did a couple more dragons and a griffon. I have found myself saying darn I wish I had not done that before this or I wish I had not taken that off first til after I did that.... Or I wish I would have known to keep my elbow in before my wrist started killing me. There is a list about a mile long of the silliness I felt I had done even though the carvings turned out well I know in my heart they can be much better.

This all leads to the real Question.. Is there a book or two, or DVD out there that would help me not do all these rookie mistakes. I know there is a learning curve on everything. But after being a aircraft mechanic for 30 years I would like to do better and know I can.. I would rather try to learn first not to do some of the stupid things others can instruct me on not doing.

So is there a really informative book on Carving in the round and/or a Dvd on carving in the round that is worth the bother? Or Maybe even better someplace to take a good class/es In the Seattle/Tacoma area(or within a reasonable drive) on Carving in the Round?

[AlArchie]

Can't give you any direct info onyour questions, but here's a site with a list of carving clubs, some inthe Seattle area.

http://www.woodcarvers.org/eventsandclubs.htm

You might also check with rick Ferry at www.littleshavers.com for both info on area carving clubs and also books for beginners. check his site and see what books he stocks and if there seem to be any that might suit your purpose.

Here's a partiallist from Wood Carving Illustrated's club list. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...s_TN_WI.php#WA

there is also a site on WCI that has all kinds of carving books for sale....check these out.

http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/c...reecatalog.cfm


Al

[rick-in-seattle]

Paulgn108,
Myself along with several others will be giving carving seminars in July at the Quilceda spit & whittle.

http://www.quilcedacarvers.com/snw2007.htm

Class schedule:
http://www.quilcedacarvers.com/2007%...***%20SCED.pdf

[Paulgn108]

Okay I did a Internet Search and found that the NWCA meetings are the closest to me (I live a little south of Tacoma). Found their Calendar I will Put the carving shows and there classes on my schedule. Which is pretty wide open being as I retired. I am sure once there People will have information on training classes.

I still would be nice to take a more formal class, or read a really good book on Carving in the round. Is there any one or a coulpe of books anyone else has found "Very" informative on Carving in the Round? I ask about a good one rather then getting 5-6 books that might be good to find out later one most likely not one of the ones I bought is the end all reference on the subject.. Usually thats about 100 or more Dollars wasted that I could have used on wood or a tool or two.

[mark yundt]

In my opinion you have learned more than any book,DVD,class or whatever could teach you.What you are doing and learning is invaluable.It's not what we are told how to do,,but what we learn how to do ,,and an understanding of what it is and why we did it and why it did or didn't work is of the utmost importance. I do understand your frustration and feeling of needing more information to do it better next time,,but by what you just did automatically causes in you a shift of knowing that it will be done better next time.The reality is that feeling never goes away,,everyone ,at all levels of skill will (or should) feel the same way as you do now.I have seen some truly magnificent work in my travels and talking to the artist they almost to a person says the same thing,,"well,,if I was going to do it again I'd,,,,If you try this you might want to,,,,I'm not really happy with the way this section,,It might look better if,,," That is the mark of a good artist,,never be content,,always look for ways to improve. If you think you have finally arrived,you're already gone.